Sky Sports: Man Utd Target Two Midfielders in Huge Summer Shake-Up

Mateus Fernandes Could Become Gettable

Fernandes is intriguing because his situation may soon change. Sky Sports report that West Ham are 85 per cent likely to be relegated according to Opta, which would naturally affect both price and availability.

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United have too often entered markets late, reactive and exposed. This time, their approach appears more measured. They are building a shortlist, waiting for variables to settle, then preparing to move.

Wider Shortlist Shows Ambition

Carlos Baleba remains a major target, with United keen to explore a deal before the World Cup. Aurelien Tchouameni is also admired, though Real Madrid’s managerial picture, including the increasing likelihood of Jose Mourinho’s arrival, complicates matters.

Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Tyler Adams, Alex Scott, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Christos Mouzakitis all feature on a broader list. That variety is encouraging. It suggests United are not chasing one profile, but trying to redesign an area of the pitch that has lacked authority for years.

For United, this cannot be another summer of expensive improvisation. The next midfield signing has to make sense tactically, physically and financially.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this report feels both encouraging and slightly exhausting. Encouraging because the club finally seem to understand that midfield needs depth, athleticism and intelligence. Exhausting because United have been here before, linked with half of Europe, only to end up overpaying when the market tightens.

Ederson looks like the sort of player United need. He has energy, aggression and enough technical security to help the side stop looking so open. Fernandes would be a cleverer, more opportunistic move, especially if West Ham go down. That is exactly the kind of market situation United should exploit.

Baleba still feels like the dream option. He has Premier League experience, huge upside and the kind of physical profile United have lacked. Yet Brighton rarely sell cheaply, and United cannot afford another deal that consumes the whole budget.

What matters most is clarity. Sign two midfielders who fit the manager’s structure, not just two names who excite supporters for a week. United need a spine again. If this shortlist is real, it may be the beginning of a more coherent plan.