Manchester United’s midfield revamp has seen a few early contenders emerge, with Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson the chief among them.
West Ham United’s relegation has made Mateus Fernandes eminently more gettable, while Elliot Anderson has been the dream of Man Utd for a while now.
Add in Ederson being close to a move, and it looks like United will get at least two of those three.
That is because Mateus Fernandes is doing what Elliot Anderson isn’t, and it goes against Ineos’ philosophy.
What is the maximum fee Man Utd should realistically pay for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes? 💰
Does the potential transfer depend on West Ham getting relegated?
Mateus Fernandes is prioritising Man Utd
Much has been written about Fernandes being a fan of Bruno Fernandes, and his playing style also perfectly complements Kobbie Mainoo.
He’s not going to the World Cup so he can have the full pre-season at Old Trafford, while his Premier League pedigree and age make him the perfect Ineos signing.
To finalise the list of green flags, Fernandes is prioritising a move to United, just like Ederson, which sees him pass Ineos’ main test.
It’s why the dressing room at Carrington is such a positive place now filled with players who want to play for the club instead of mercenaries here for the pay cheque.
Fernandes will fit nicely with that group, and with there being a strong Portuguese contingent at the club, will have no problems settling in either.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Anderson.
Man Utd must take Elliot Anderson hint
In sharp contrast to Fernandes, all the links to Anderson have come with a caveat that Man City are leading the race while United keep trying to convince him.
Should Manchester United pay £125m for Elliot Anderson?
Reports suggest Nottingham Forest have set a £125m valuation on Elliot Anderson. 💰
To an extent, it’s understandable, since Anderson has the potential to genuinely transform the midfield.
At the same time, if you’re having to convince a player so much, especially when the alternative is a fierce rival, then maybe he isn’t worth the effort.
Anderson can join City, and United will keep a dressing room full of players who don’t think they’ve done a favour to United by joining the club.
Get two driven and talented players in Ederson and Fernandes, and explore a deal to sign Carlos Baleba, who’s desperate to join as well.
Mentality is as important as talent, and signing a player who would have rather joined your rivals is not a good sign of mentality.
Ineos must take the hint and move on from Anderson.
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