Mateus Fernandes might not be the only current West Ham player in Man Utd colours next season, and that’s bad news for the club’s surprise success story this season.
The midfield rebuild at Manchester United is increasingly pivoting towards Mateus Fernandes as one of the names.
His Premier League pedigree, age profile, and playing style make him the perfect partner to Kobbie Mainoo, and West Ham might have to do a fire sale.
In that fire sale, United now have a developing interest in another player that will serve to wake up a current Man Utd player.
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?
Man Utd ramping up El Hajdi Malick Diouf interest
Among all the positions needing to be strengthened this season, left-back wasn’t really thought of as a priority one.
Luke Shaw has been the club’s surprise success story this season, playing and starting every single Premier League game.
Furthermore, they will welcome back a fully fit Harry Amass next season, so Tyrell Malacia’s departure is accounted for.
Patrick Dorgu’s left wing stints might become fewer as United buy another attacker, further reducing the need for a left-back.
However, United clearly see the opportunity to get West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf as an important one.
Mail Sport reports that United are ‘closely monitoring’ the left-back ahead of the summer window, who, at just 21, had a breakout PL season.
He is a marauding left-back who fits Carrick’s style of play perfectly, and his PL pedigree and age make him the perfect signing.
It is a bad omen for Shaw after an encouraging campaign.
Diouf interest is necessary ruthless challenge for Luke Shaw
It might seem counterproductive to bring in a left-back after the season Shaw has had, but this is exactly the kind of ruthlessness elite teams are made on.
Shaw has been a hot-and-cold player, often following up big seasons with poor ones, and his contract expires in 2027.
Ineos have shown with Casemiro that they are not driven by emotion when deciding the futures of older players on huge wages.
They will happily let Shaw walk on a free transfer if he doesn’t agree to a wage reduction on his currently massive contract.
Having someone like Diouf already in the building will fortify their position in the negotiations, especially with Amass and Diego Leon in the wings.
This is ruthless from Ineos, but exactly the kind needed to put United back on top.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
