INEOS move in earnest to sign Manchester United star for £64m

Manchester United are keen to avoid the term ‘saga’ this summer, having often been stalled in lengthy public negotiations in recent years.

For example, going back to 2022, Erik ten Hag and co spent much of that period failing to pursue a certain Frenkie de Jong, only to pivot to Casemiro as a replacement, as the Premier League season had already begun.

Thankfully, there’s a good chance this new regime is taking notice, and there are all signs that INEOS will be compiling a long shortlist of midfield targets, rather than zeroing in on a single strong candidate this time around.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson is likely to be the most likely candidate, but United are said to be considering several other options, with a £120m move to the Etihad Airways likely.

Man United move towards £64m move for Ederson replacement

With Casemiro’s impending departure, signing a new midfielder is an urgent priority, with the latest reports suggesting compatriot Ederson could be the frontrunner to fill the void.

Reports earlier this week claimed that the Atalanta star has indeed agreed a £100,000-a-week deal with United, subject to a formal approach between the clubs from the Old Trafford side.

Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas suggested that reports that personal terms had been agreed may be off the mark, but said INEOS had increased interest in the 26-year-old Brazilian.

But the same is true of West Ham United’s Matheus Fernandes, with the Portuguese playmaker said to have “impressed” those watching at Old Trafford this season.

The report states that any deal is likely to be affected by whether the Hammers are relegated in the coming weeks, with the future of the club said to influence the 21-year-old’s potential price tag.

Previous reports suggested the transfer fee for Fernandes, who joined from Southampton in a £42m deal last summer, could be around £64m.

Comparison of Matthäus Fernandes and Ederson this season

Fernandes unfortunately missed a golden chance to give his side the lead against title hopefuls Arsenal on Sunday afternoon and could have had a significant say in West Ham’s future.

The former Saints star could only fire a shot straight at the advancing David Raya, a moment that could cause seismic shifts at both ends of the table.

However, it would be unfair to suggest that is the story of Fernandes’ season, given that the young midfielder is part of the Irons’ illustrious triumvirate alongside Jarrod Bowen and Crisencio Somerville.

Playing in a number eight role alongside Tomas Soucek, he scored three goals and contributed three assists, and was involved in a further six goals for Southampton’s relegated side last season.

Even against the Gunners, the £64m-rated talent was a joy to watch for the most part, racking up two important passes, completing both of his dribble attempts and winning eight of his 12 total duels. This is the strength of the entire park.

There was a remarkable sweep pass out to Aaron Wan-Bissaka at one stage, which felt very Bruno Fernandes-esque, and the United captain was already thought to be backing such a deal this summer.

The young Fernandes has so many strings to his bow, which is why he represents an upgrade over Ederson, with the latter man scoring just two goals and registering just one assist in Serie A so far.

What’s most notable about the South American is his off-the-ball work, with Fernandes leading the way this season with an impressive 3.9 tackles and interceptions per game, ahead of Ederson’s 2.8.

For comparison, the aforementioned Casemiro averaged 3.6 points in the same metric in the 2025/26 season, so Fernandes could certainly fill that void next season.

He is mobile and versatile, comfortable in a deeper role or as a number 10, and has recent Premier League experience, giving him an advantage over Ederson if choosing between the pair.

Fernandes currently ranks fifth in the division in total tackles, behind Anderson in fourth place, further proving what a combative and dynamic midfielder he is.

Although only 21, this could be the perfect long-term deal United need.