The Peoples Person

Manchester United’s attempts to sign Mateus Fernandes are not exactly going according to plan.

The Red Devils have already signed Ederson from Atalanta, but head coach Michael Carrick is eyeing a complete revamp of his team’s midfield.

The West Ham ace has been identified as the next feasible target after United were priced out of moves for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali.

However, the Hammers have proven to be a tough nut to crack as they stick to their asking price of £80 million despite their relegation.

Complications galore for a Mateus Fernandes deal

To complicate matters further, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing the 21-year-old, with Tottenham Hotspur the latest to join the race.

The Athletic‘s David Ornstein has claimed that Spurs are desperate to avoid the horror show of the last two seasons, and they want to back Roberto De Zerbi to the hilt.

And the new manager is a big fan of the Portugal international, and the North London side are expected to push United all the way.

Interestingly, they are also eyeing a move for Tonali, which is deemed separate to their push to sign the West Ham talisman.

Spurs planning a late hijack

“Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a move for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, while they remain keen on signing Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.

“Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi is pushing to sign Fernandes, 21, who West Ham have set an asking price of £80million ($106.7m).

“Tottenham have also held talks with the camp of Newcastle’s Tonali but face competition from other clubs including Manchester City, who are serious contenders for the Italian’s signature.”

INEOS better be careful to avoid a last-minute hijack. Thankfully, Mateus Fernandes himself prefers a switch to Old Trafford as he is keen to play alongside his idol, Bruno Fernandes.

Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Sandro Tonali is poised to leave Newcastle United this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are pressing hard to sign the Italian, and that should have Ineos on alert as they look to hijack a deal for one of their top targets, a midfielder Eddie Howe once likened to Andrea Pirlo.

However, despite fan expectation, there has been no hint that Manchester United are doing anything to prevent a potential Tonali-to-Spurs move.

For a player packaged as Michael Carrick’s top midfield target, no movement by the 20-time English champions is stunning.

So why are United not trying to bring him to Old Trafford? The Telegraph appear to have a clear explanation for this awkward transfer stance.

What Man United have told Newcastle about bidding for Sandro Tonali

The UK outlet reports that, “United were initially monitoring the situation, but have told Newcastle they will not enter the race to sign the former AC Milan star, because of the combined cost of the transfer fee and the player’s wage demands.”

With that revelation, it now seems Tonali joins Elliott Anderson on the list of midfielders The Red Devils are moving away from.

Fernandes and Scott (or Baleba) the players to watch

It is becoming increasingly clear which midfielders United may now target as they look to complete the double midfield swoop expected to follow their Ederson agreement.

Mateus Fernandes could yet emerge as the marquee signing, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott another player to monitor should a deal for the Portuguese be struck.

Scott, however, will not come cheap, which is why a revived move for Carlos Baleba cannot be ruled out.

Personal terms with the Brighton midfielder have already been agreed, and if a Scott deal falls through, the Cameroonian could finally seal his long-awaited move to M16.

Signings of Ederson, Fernandes, and either Scott or Baleba alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes could turn this United midfield into one of the best in England, if not Europe.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Manchester United are eyeing several Premier League-proven midfielders this summer, including Newcastle United maestro Sandro Tonali. However, the latest update on the Italian’s future will not please Red Devils fans.

INEOS enjoyed tremendous success in last summer’s transfer window and will be keen to repeat the trick this year with the midfield. A capable replacement for Casemiro is on the agenda, with recent reports suggesting Atalanta’s Ederson is all set to arrive at Old Trafford.

The focus is now on adding Premier League-proven quality to Michael Carrick’s midfield, especially with Manuel Ugarte likely to leave as well. Recent reports have linked United with a move for West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.

However, the 21 year old is hardly the finished article and INEOS could be tempted to add more experience to the squad. With Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson expected to join Manchester City, Tonali has emerged as an option for the Red Devils.

United enticed by Tonali’s Premier League credentials

Tonali has been indispensable for Newcastle United since arriving from AC Milan in 2023. The Italian has amassed 79 appearances in the Premier League, registering five goals and four assists.

Tonali combines defensive alertness with box-to-box drive and is assured with his passing, attributes that have endeared him to the Old Trafford hierarchy. Last season, he registered three goals and seven assists in 53 appearances across all competitions for the Magpies.

Sandro Tonali Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League3531-24-2,545' UEFA Champions League1111112-955' EFL Cup42-21-219' FA Cup3322--300' Total5347377-4,019'

Source: Transfermarkt.

The 25 year old is under contract until 2028, and United are keeping a close watch on his situation. However, recent reports suggested that City are also interested in Tonali’s signature, and acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided another concerning update on the player.

Tottenham Hotspur in the driving seat

Sharing the news on social media, Romano said that Tottenham have entered the race to sign Tonali this summer. He wrote: “EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham have entered the race to sign Sandro Tonali!”

“De Zerbi wants Tonali as new star for the midfield, ideal to step up #THFC level. Spurs ready to face Man City and Arsenal in the race for Tonali for new ambitious project to prove their intentions.”

Just as United fans were coming to terms with the news, the Italian journalist dropped another bombshell. Sharing another update on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted that the Italian midfielder is ready to move to Spurs this summer.

He said: “Sandro Tonali is keen on a move to Tottenham; he is ready to make a move to Spurs. Tonali is attracted by the project and wants to play under De Zerbi, as they share a very close connection, even without Europe! Could take £85m package.”

Final Thoughts

If Tonali wants to join Tottenham, United may be fighting a losing battle in attempting to convince him to move to the Theatre of Dreams. INEOS, instead, should redirect all their resources into completing a move for Mateus Fernandes.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Manchester United have identified their next midfield target, Mateus Fernandes, and have him firmly in their sights.

Following Ederson’s capture from Atalanta, INEOS are fully focused on landing the Portuguese ace from West Ham.

However, the Hammers have been playing hardball over the price, refusing to lower their £80 million valuation despite their relegation to the Championship.

The entry of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain into the race has further complicated matters, even though the Red Devils remain confident of landing their man.

Spurs join Mateus Fernandes race

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now claimed that a Premier League rival has launched an enquiry for the Portugal international.

Tottenham Hotspur, who survived a real relegation scare by the skin of their teeth, are eager not to repeat last season’s horror show this time out.

As a result, Spurs are desperate to back new boss Roberto De Zerbi with the ammunition needed to take the North London side back into the reckoning for European football.

“Tottenham are looking at the market with various names,” Jacobs said on the Reporting on The Last Word on Spurs podcast.

Mateus Fernandes wants only United

“They made an enquiry for Mateus Fernandes, even though the direction of travel there is Manchester United or PSG. Real Madrid could even enter that race, but he was another player that they looked at.

“Funny, because Tottenham and West Ham just don’t do that much business ever, and yet we might get a flurry now, because the reports, of which I also was one of them, around Crysencio Summerville and Tottenham were legitimate, even though West Ham tried to deny it at the time.”

Thankfully, Mateus Fernandes seems to have eyes only for a move to Old Trafford, where he can play alongside his idol, Bruno Fernandes. United remain confident that a deal can be agreed as early as this month.

Michael Carrick had demanded INEOS to revamp the team’s engine room, and after missing out on both Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, the head coach will be happy if United can get the deal for Mateus Fernandes over the line.

Feature image Clive Rose via Getty Images

Whilst it is evident Manchester United are intent on improving their midfield options this summer, there could still be room for a surprise signing or two in other areas of the field should the right opportunity present itself.

If United are serious about mounting a title challenge next season, there is no doubt they could do with a reliable centre-half of ready-made ability who can be fit and ready for action for the majority of the season.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt look to have the perfect blend of qualities to build a formidable partnership at the heart of United’s back line, but simply cannot be trusted to go through a campaign injury-free.

Therefore, if INEOS can strike a deal for a top-quality centre-back, it might just be the difference in United getting closer to Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table.

Surprise name on the list shut down

That being said, finding that player, particularly on a budget, is no easy feat, but a shock name was strongly linked with Manchester United on Monday night.

The Peoples Person relayed that United were preparing an offer for wantaway Tottenham Hotspur skipper Cristian Romero.

However, as per Manchester Evening News, United have no interest in signing the Argentina international.

Whilst possessing certain qualities, Romero’s ill-discipline and overall disappointing performance levels over the last 12 to 18 months have left Tottenham at the wrong end of the table under his leadership on the pitch.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old will be leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under the cloud of controversy that came after he returned to Argentina to watch his boyhood club rather than be in attendance for their crucial last game of the season to keep them in the division.

Even if United fans are wishing for a centre-back before the season starts, it is doubtful they will be losing any sleep over missing out on a player who has shown such a lack of commitment to the club paying his wages.

United can ill-afford to waste a chunk of their budget on a player who is not guaranteed to improve things at Old Trafford, and Romero would certainly be seen as a major gamble.

Other priorities

Whilst a centre-back addition would be nice, it is believed United are focusing on the left-back spot alongside the engine room for improvements this summer and see themselves as relatively well-stocked at centre-half.

Despite the concerns around De Ligt and Martinez’s fitness, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and the impressive Ayden Heaven will all be expected to play their part next season to ensure United enjoy a successful campaign.

Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall looks the favourite to lighten the load on Luke Shaw, who, despite starting every league game last season, has struggled badly with injuries and, given the extra games this year, will need strong back-up.

Hall looks every inch the long-term replacement for Shaw and if INEOS can get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old, they could have the left-back issue solved for the next decade.

Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images

Manchester United appear to be ready to pause their plans to revamp the midfield in order to pursue the signing of a high-profile defender who divides opinion.

Over the last few days, much has been written about United’s hunt for the signatures of Ederson and Mateus Fernandes.

A total agreement to sign the Brazilian from Atalanta has already been reached. Meanwhile, INEOS have opened talks with West Ham United for the Portuguese youngster.

Amid this, a reliable Argentine journalist has dropped a major update on the club’s attempt to strengthen their backline.

Manchester United considering signing Cristian Romero

According to reputed Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, Manchester United want to sign Cristian from Tottenham Hotspur.

It is understood the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the 28-year-old combative defender, who captains Spurs.

Edul does not specify how much United are willing to pay for the Argentina international.

However, it has been previously reported that the North London giants value Romero at around £52 million. He is tied to the club until the summer of 2029.

A risky move guaranteed to raise plenty of eyebrows

As is the case with most Argentinians, front-foot defending is a hallmark of Romero’s game. The 6’1″ star possesses exceptional aerial ability and is effective with the ball at his feet.

Furthermore, the former Atalanta talent is a player with a winning pedigree, having lifted the World Cup in 2022 and led Spurs to a Europa League triumph by beating the Mancunians in the final.

However, Romero has generated an equal number of headlines for his recklessness and ill-discipline. Incidentally, his latest red card came in his side’s league defeat at United.

Romero also received backlash from his own fans for missing Tottenham’s final-day relegation decider in May. After being sidelined through an injury, he decided to fly to Argentina to continue his rehabilitation at boyhood club Belgrano.

Romero’s stature would certainly warrant the tag of a statement signing at the Theatre of Dreams, but at the same time, he has all the makings of a nightmare addition.

Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have stormed into the race for Hayden Hackney as Michael Carrick urges INEOS to target the Middlesbrough maestro, according to a new report.

Midfield Rebuild

The Red Devils are prioritising a major revamp in midfield this summer, with up to £150 million set to be directed towards fixing the stalling engine room.

Despite a resurgent campaign, Casemiro will bring an end to his four years in Manchester this month after it was mutually decided with the club not to extend his contract. A free transfer to Inter Miami is close to being agreed.

Manuel Ugarte looks set to join the 34-year-old Brazilian through the exit door, with United actively welcoming offers for the Uruguay international, who has failed to adapt to the Premier League since his £42.7 million move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

United’s primary targets are Elliot Anderson and Aurélien Tchouaméni, though deals for either player appear increasingly remote. Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Mateus Fernandes, and Alex Scott are other names under consideration.

But Hackney – Middlesbrough’s 23-year-old playmaker, who first burst onto the scene under Carrick at the Riverside Stadium – is another option with many admirers at Old Trafford. However, despite his former manager championing his name, United’s hierarchy, headed by sporting director Jason Wilcox, appear to be focusing elsewhere.

Spurs launch a hijack

Everton are leading the race for Hackney, whose contract on Teesside expires next year, forcing Boro to reluctantly consider a sale of their talisman.

Kim Hellberg’s side faced heartbreak in the final of the Championship play-offs, losing 1-0 in the last minute to Hull City at Wembley. Had they been promoted, their ability to ward off interest in Hackney would have been significantly stronger.

However, the Redcar native is too talented not to be plying his trade in the Premier League, having been crowned the Championship’s Player of the Season after a stellar campaign, though Boro will not let him go cheap.

The North East side rejected Everton’s opening offer, despite Hackney signalling a switch to Merseyside is his preference. But Spurs, ready to splash the cash after almost dropping into the Championship themselves, have launched a hijack of the Toffees’ move.

Sports Boom have “ramped up their interest” by directly approaching Middlesbrough to strike a deal.

“Tottenham see Hackney as a player capable of becoming one of the new faces of their rebuild following a desperately disappointing campaign. Spurs are eager to inject youth, energy and quality into their midfield and believe the England Under-21 international fits the bill perfectly.”

The report states United are “keeping a close eye on developments”, suggesting Carrick may still get his wish should INEOS decide to launch their own last-minute hijack if the leading targets elsewhere prove unobtainable.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

Manchester United have been handed a golden chance to sign Luka Vuskovic as the 19-year-old defender’s future with Tottenham Hotspur is growing more uncertain by the day, according to a new report.

Croatian Colossus

Signed in 2023 from Hajduk Split in a deal worth around £12 million, Vuskovic was only eligible to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer.

The 6’4 centre-back joined then-manager Thomas Frank’s side on their pre-season tour, with plans for him to play a back-up role to the first-choice pairing, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. However, the Croatia international – set for a major role for his country at the World Cup this month – wanted more guaranteed minutes and requested a loan towards the end of the window.

A season-long loan was then agreed with German side Hamburger SV, which has proved an astute decision as he has thrived at the Volksparkstadion in a superb individual campaign.

Despite his adopted side struggling as a collective, Vuskovic was named in the EA Sports Bundesliga Team of the Year, having produced displays which belie his age. This led one scout to describe him as one of the “most dominant young defenders” in Europe.

A potent pairing of size and strength, with surprising speed for such an imposing frame, makes him a force to be reckoned with in the air, as shown by an impressive return of six goals, and in ground duels. But he also demonstrates the ability to play out from the back, with the “vision to identify progressive options” and make line-breaking passes forward – a key attribute for a ‘modern’ centre-back.

A Big-Money Exit Gathers Pace

Initially, it is understood the plan was for Vuskovic to return to north London and fight for a place in Tottenham’s starting eleven. Romero and Van de Ven have been linked with moves away, with United said to have explored deals for both.

The Croatian starlet appears a readymade replacement, having already shown a skillset which suggests he could develop into an even better defender than either of his senior teammates. However, Roberto De Zerbi – appointed as manager in March to rescue Tottenham from relegation, which the Italian did on the last day of the season – is pushing for more experience in his backline.

AFC Bournemouth’s 29-year-old centre-back, Marcos Senesi, and Liverpool’s 32-year-old stalwart, Andy Robertson, are both set to join on free transfers. Senesi was a target under consideration at Old Trafford, though Harry Maguire’s contract renewal has shifted the attention towards a younger option – such as Vuskovic.

De Zerbi is not stopping there, however. A £40 million bid has been tabled to reunite him with Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, the 25-year-old Netherlands international, with talks between the two clubs ongoing.

If successful, this would leave Tottenham Hotspur with four experienced centre-backs either in, or approaching, their prime – and no room for Vuskovic to establish himself in De Zerbi’s squad. Consequently, Gianluigi Longari reveals the youngster is “open to leaving” this summer, putting Bayern Munich and “top Premier League clubs” on red alert.

Translated Tweet: “Luka Vuskovic would be open to leaving Tottenham this summer. Bayern Munich and other top Premier League clubs are closely monitoring his profile with interest and have made initial contact for details on a possible deal. Preliminary stages.”

Final Thoughts

While the Italian journalist does not specify which one of England’s elite is eyeing a raid on their rival, United’s interest is well-documented and INEOS are always on the hunt for the best young talent from across the globe.

A new centre-back is not considered an urgent priority in M16 due to the number of options in Michael Carrick’s squad. But this depth is something of an illusion, given the injury concerns of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, as well as the ageing Maguire.

United are understood to be paying close attention to the market for a suitable successor for the 33-year-old Englishman. Vuskovic, a 6’4 behemoth who is a magnet for the ball, would be the perfect candidate.

Featured image Leonardo Fernandez via Getty Images

Manchester United Women won two from two in their opening World Sevens group games. A 5-4 win over West Ham and a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa put them on the right track for qualification for the semi-final.

On Friday evening, they took on Tottenham Hotspur Women in Brentford.

First half

Ellen Wangerheim’s lovely touch and pass set up Melvine Malard, who smashed the ball into the bottom corner to give the Red Devils the lead.

Malard then turned provider as her pass off the wing was excellently finished by Anna Sandberg, the Swedish full-back’s second of the competition. Elisabeth Terland then turned assist maker when her lay-off was taken by Jess Park, who showed great composure to fire past the Tottenham Hotspur keeper to make it 3-0.

Second half

United grabbed a fourth early on in the second half as Park dribbled past the Tottenham Hotspur defence and rifled an unstoppable drive into the net for her second of the evening.

Cathinka Tandberg found a consolation for Tottenham Hotspur when her effort crept under Phallon Tullis-Joyce. This only served to embolden United more, and they soon had their fifth.

Maya Le Tissier broke forward from the back and played in Lea Schuller, who calmly found the back of the net on the break. United then had their sixth when Terland broke forward and generously turned down a shot and laid the ball off to Julia Zigiotti, who had the easiest of tap-ins.

Le Tissier made it seven when she powered in a header from a free-kick.

Olivia Holdt grabbed a second for Tottenham Hotspur as she ran down the wing and prodded in a smart finish.

United would have the last word, though, in a pulsating tie when Park grabbed her hat-trick.

She was played in on goal and finished like a number nine to make it 8-2 to Marc Skinner’s rampant Reds.

The Red Devils topped the group with 17 goals scored, six conceded, and three wins from three.

Chelsea will take on Aston Villa in the first semi-final at 11:00 BST, while United will face Everton at 12:00 BST.

If United make it through, they will play the final at 14:30 BST.

Featured image Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images

Manchester United are currently finalising plans for a major transfer window this summer, during which every penny will count. A complete revamp in midfield is the priority, while reinforcements on the left-hand side and up front are also on the cards. A new No. 2 goalkeeper is likely to be needed as well.

Accordingly, any deals – from the present or the past – that generate funds for the Red Devils to allocate towards this overhaul of Michael Carrick’s squad will be welcome. This is why INEOS will be paying close attention to Mason Greenwood’s situation in France.

Greenwood, 24, left Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 after facing serious legal troubles off the pitch. While the charges, which included attempted rape and assault, were dropped, the public outcry led to the player and club mutually agreeing that his career would be best served away from English football.

A £26.6 million deal was agreed with Olympique Marseille – a low price for a footballer with Greenwood’s talent, but one which reflected the controversy he will carry for the rest of his career.

United included a 50% sell-on clause with the Ligue 1 giant, though the exact parameters of this remain unclear. Some reports suggest it would entitle United to 50% of any fee Marseille generate from Greenwood’s sale, while others indicate the Red Devils would receive 50% of the profits.

The latter is far more likely to be accurate, which means United would bank £11.7m if Marseille sold Greenwood for £50mthis summer. If the former is true, it would be £25m – almost as much as the French club paid in the first place.

Red-hot race forming

Despite Greenwood boasting impressive numbers since arriving at the Orange Vélodrome – 48 goals and 17 assists in 81 appearances – Marseille are understood to be considering their top scorer’s exit this summer.

Mason Greenwood Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Ligue 131281664-2,381' UEFA Champions League88311-671' Coupe de France44631-345' Trophée des Champions111---90'

Total444126106-3,487'

Source: Transfermarkt.

Roberto De Zerbi’s shock departure in February, a key ally of Greenwood, has been a driving factor, with the English forward having clashed with the new coaching staff and the executive branch. New sporting director Gregory Lorenzi has confirmed that the “club are prepared to entertain transfer offers” this summer.

AS Roma are frontrunners after Greenwood’s father held talks with the Italian club, while Atlético Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation.

However, Turkish outlet Fanatik claims Fenerbahçe have identified Greenwood as a “primary target” with moves already underway to strike a deal. Marseille are said to be asking for £48m, which would entitle United to around £10.7m or £24m, depending on the terms of their existing agreement.

The report also states Tottenham Hotspur, currently managed by De Zerbi, have “entered the race”, with Greenwood said to be angling for a return to England. This must be balanced by the uproar a move to North London would generate across the United Kingdom, however, with previous updates suggesting a pursuit was unlikely as a result.

Interestingly, Spurs have also been linked with Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at FC Barcelona but whose future at Camp Nou grows more uncertain by the day.

Feature image Miguel Medina via Getty Images