Man Utd in talks to sign £85m star “in the last 48 hours”

Manchester United Football Club and the transfer window often go hand in hand, as seen by the Red Devils’ recent efforts in the market over the last handful of years.

Ruben Amorim, Erik ten Hag and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all spent a pretty penny during their respective periods as managers at Old Trafford.

However, Michael Carrick will no doubt be the next boss to be handed a small fortune by INEOS to try and catapult the side up the Premier League table in 2026/27.

Ederson has already agreed a move to the Theatre of Dreams this summer, after the Red Devils matched Atalanta’s £45m asking price for the Brazilian midfielder.

Other targets are still being pursued by the hierarchy at present, with added deals expected to be completed before the window slams shut in September.

Man Utd enter talks to land £85m star “in the last 48 hours”

As part of the ongoing recruitment drive at United, all areas of the senior ranks are being considered and could be bolstered ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Barcelona star Marc Casado has emerged as one transfer target in recent days, with the 22-year-old midfielder expected to depart the LaLiga giants this window.

It’s been reported that talks have been held between the Red Devils and the player’s representatives – but Monaco currently lead the race for his services.

He’s not the only midfielder who could join Ederson in moving to Manchester this window, as West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes once again appears to be a prime target.

Fabrizio Romano spoke about the potential move on his YouTube channel, stating: “Man Utd are in direct conversations with the agents of Mateus Fernandes.

“Man Utd made contact over the last 48 hours with the agents of the player, and Man Utd started conversations about eventual cost of the deal, transfer fee and also salary.”

The Hammers are said to have green-lighted a departure for the Portuguese international, but are demanding at least £85m to offload the 21-year-old.

Why Bruno would love Mateus Fernandes at Man Utd

United’s qualification for the Champions League this term is a huge achievement for Carrick – but he owes a lot of the success to Bruno Fernandes amid his incredible form in the Premier League.

The Portuguese international was the Red Devils’ main orchestrator at the heart of the side, subsequently racking up 21 assists in England’s top-flight.

His aforementioned tally is the highest of any player in Premier League history, which highlights the remarkable impact he had on United’s third-placed finish this term.

Rumours will undoubtedly be flying about his own future at Old Trafford, but Carrick and the hierarchy will no doubt be confident of keeping the 31-year-old this window.

A move for his compatriot this summer could only boost the chances of Bruno staying put, with the pair having the opportunity to build a superb partnership at club and international level.

The West Ham star would also allow the attacking midfielder to thrive in a more attacking role, whilst the 21-year-old sits in a deeper role and operates as a ball winner for the Red Devils.

His stats from the recent campaign in the Premier League demonstrate his excellent ability to disrupt the play – subsequently producing some impressive numbers despite suffering relegation.

Fernandes, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Eduardo Hagn, made a staggering 3.1 tackles per 90 this season – a tally ranking him in the top 12% of all players in England’s top-flight.

His tally of 5.9 ground duels won and 5.4 ball recoveries per 90 this term also ranks him in the top 25% of midfielders in Europe – further reaffirming his phenomenal ball-winning ability.

However, the Hammers star has also been able to progress the play from his deep-lying position, as seen by his 58% dribble success and 88% pass accuracy rate.

Both of the aforementioned figures could see Bruno benefit massively, with the attacking midfielder able to get more of the ball and create added carnage within forward areas.

The reported £85m fee for Fernandes’ signature is undoubtedly a massive fee and one that could be reduced in the months ahead as the window progresses.

However, there’s no denying Carrick’s men would be getting a phenomenal talent and one who could even reach the next level in his development at Old Trafford.

A partnership between the two Fernandes’ is certainly one to get excited about and one that could take the club to the next level throughout 2026/27 and beyond.