In the summer of 2024, Manchester United had a golden opportunity to bring in Joao Neves and secure their midfield for the long term, but they ended up making a very different choice.

Instead of pursuing Neves, United went ahead with a deal for Manuel Ugarte, agreeing to a £42 million transfer fee for the Uruguayan midfielder. That decision indirectly helped Paris Saint-Germain in their £50 million move for Neves.

It was already frustrating that United inadvertently helped fund PSG’s transfer for one of their own top targets that summer. What makes it worse is that while Neves has thrived in Paris, Ugarte has struggled severely in Manchester.

The South American midfielder has not managed to make a meaningful impact at Old Trafford, and the club are now actively looking to move him on and find a suitable replacement.

That replacement could very well be West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes.

Fernandes was one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League last season. Despite West Ham’s overall struggles, the 21-year-old delivered consistently impressive performances.

He combines exceptional technical ability—with the kind of incisive passing reminiscent of Kevin De Bruyne—with positional flexibility and strong defensive work rate. These are exactly the attributes United hoped to get from Ugarte, but which the 25-year-old has failed to display.

Replacing Ugarte with Fernandes now appears to be the sensible course of action. However, despite West Ham’s relegation, signing him will not be straightforward.

According to The Athletic, West Ham are demanding £80 million for any club wishing to sign Fernandes.

Although the price tag seems steep, it might be wise for Manchester United to go ahead with the deal, and here’s why.

The situation surrounding Fernandes has strong parallels with the Joao Neves transfer to PSG.

Before Neves moved to Paris, United were heavily linked with him but hesitated to make a firm offer. PSG did not hesitate, and that decision has since yielded back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles for them.

Now, United have a chance to avoid repeating that mistake. Fernandes is already proven in the Premier League, and United know exactly what he can bring to their midfield. In this context, meeting West Ham’s asking price could be the smart move.

Completing the Fernandes transfer would allow United to make amends for the Neves situation. It would also help them outpace competition from Arsenal and PSG, both of whom are reportedly interested in the midfielder.

Critics may question the logic of paying such a high fee for a player from a relegated side. However, considering Fernandes’ ability and the impending reshuffle of midfielders across Europe, the investment could prove worthwhile.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez recently announced that the club are preparing a record €150 million bid for an unnamed player, with speculation suggesting that Joao Neves could be their target.

If Neves does move to the Santiago Bernabeu, reports indicate that PSG would turn their attention to Fernandes, who is widely seen as the closest alternative in terms of style and influence. With the funds from a Neves sale, PSG would likely have the financial power to outbid United.

Therefore, United must act decisively and move quickly to complete the Fernandes signing before the competition heats up.

Fernandes’ arrival could transform United’s midfield in several ways.

His ability to control play and dictate tempo would allow Bruno Fernandes to play higher up the pitch, potentially enabling him to surpass his own Premier League assist record from last season.

Furthermore, envisioning a youthful core of Mateus Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, and Ayden Heaven gives a glimpse of a formidable Manchester United side in the making—one that could dominate for years once they gel together.

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