Manchester United are likely to miss out on Matisse Fernandes, who is nearing an £85 million move to Tottenham.
Teddy Sheringham, a former striker for Manchester United and West Ham, said United should not be too disappointed to lose Matisse Fernandes, a midfielder below the club’s required level. The Portugal international was a key target for United this summer but now looks set to sign for Tottenham.
Spurs have agreed an £85 million deal with West Ham for the transfer. It’s a price United were unwilling to go to, with the club now ready to look elsewhere for targets.
The news is the latest setback in the search for a new midfielder this summer, with Elliott Anderson another target with a £116 million move to Manchester City. The development has led to some suggestions that the club could change tack in the transfer window and look for cheaper, but more raw, alternatives.
However, Sheringham has suggested that United should instead go the other way and target top players, whatever the cost.
“Man Utd fans shouldn’t be worried about losing Mateus Fernandes – he’s just not good enough for the club,” he told ComeOn.
“I wasn’t that impressed with Matisse Fernandes at West Ham this year. A lot of West Ham fans think he will go on to bigger and better things, but the jury is still out on Fernandes for me.
Manchester United need top players. They already have many good players. They need to buy top players or they will miss out again and again.
Matisse Fernandes looks set to line up for Tottenham against Manchester United. (Photo: Getty Images)
“It was the same with Harry Kane and Declan Rice a few years ago when there was an opportunity to go and sign them. United were nowhere in the market for them. Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t let that happen.
“Sir Alex always brought in the best players and he came in and led by example, and you need those top players at a club like United; otherwise you’re going to be in the same situation.
“It’s not about being good players. You want the best players to play for Manchester United because it takes a lot to play for the club. So go out and spend big on the best players and let them lead.
United are preparing to return to the Champions League for the 2026/27 season after finishing third last season. This will be their first appearance in the competition since the 2023/24 season.
