Manchester United must think strategically after moving on from Mateus Fernandes.
Earlier this week, Manchester United fans were encouraging the club to walk away from the Mateus Fernandes pursuit.
That’s exactly what ended up playing out, with United refusing to match Tottenham’s crazy bid of £85 million for Fernandes.
Fernandes is an unproven talent who has been relegated twice in the past two seasons. He is quite simply not worth £85 million.
If Tottenham want to make that folly, leave them to it. Likewise, if he is happy to push on with a move to Spurs ahead of holding out for United, then he’s welcome to it.
Now the focus turns to Manchester United. What do we do next?
Well, the most concise advice I can offer is ‘what not to do’…
Mateus Fernandes is set to join Tottenham for £85m: What is your INSTANT REACTION?
WHO do you want Man Utd to sign instead?
Man Utd cannot panic
Many Manchester United fans would love to see the club go out and start making bids for alternatives.
Enough time has been wasted on the Fernandes chase, and United risk pre-season starting next week without a new signing in place.
But what is going to happen if United contact Crystal Palace tomorrow and make a bid for Adam Wharton? Or if we reach out to Bournemouth over Alex Scott?
Both clubs will see this for exactly what it is, a panic move.
Sensing United’s desperation, they will hike up the price, and we will get absolutely nowhere.
There are two months left until the transfer window closes and United need to be smart and opportunistic.
I am still confident that United can sign Aurelien Tchouameni away from Real Madrid, an actual top class midfielder currently starring at the World Cup.
Tchouameni would likely come cheaper than Fernandes, and he’s twice the player too. If it take until August to get him, he will be worth the wait.
The smartest move United could make is to be unpredictable.
What if we go out and agree a fee for a full-back? For a winger? For a back-up striker? One of the positions that will be on United’s list but later down the pecking order?
I can even stomach some club briefs that they are happy with the current midfield options of Kobbie Mainoo, Ederson (incoming) and Mason Mount. It clearly won’t be true and will infuriate supporters – but it will be a smokescreen that shows United are not desperate buyers.
The fees being demanded for players are ridiculous and at some point United will need to pay up, but rushing straight into overpaying for another deal is not the way to do it.
What does success for Man Utd look like for you in 2026/27?
While it's early days (we need new signings) – tell us what you think United should be aiming for?
Use the data
Ineos have brought together a sophisticated data team to help with recruitment, and this is where they must earn their money.
I cannot believe they felt £85 million for Mateus Fernandes was value, and it’s no surprise the club have stepped back from this deal.
On the other hand, they must have a list of potential targets from every top league who stand out as strong additions. Roma’s Manu Kone is one such name.
United must explore these alternatives and shouldn’t rush, as much as we’d like to see some progress. I am quite confident they will get it right and we will have a couple more new faces in by the end of July.
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