Manchester United are in the market for a new midfielder this summer and have reportedly made significant progress in their pursuit of one particular star
The World Cup may be commanding football’s attention this summer but Manchester United aren’t allowing it to disrupt their transfer plans. That much is evident following the latest series of updates suggesting activity in both directions at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick’s squad are already closing in on their first major acquisition being confirmed as Ederson moves nearer to finalising his £39million transfer. Yet there are suggestions indicating United have made significant headway in their pursuit of another star midfielder.
The World Cup has somewhat complicated proceedings regarding the extent of progress United can expect while certain targets are otherwise occupied. Nevertheless, that hasn’t prevented the club from remaining active as the Manchester Evening News rounds up Tuesday’s most significant United transfer stories.
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Tottenham want Rashford
The race for Marcus Rashford‘s services is reportedly intensifying, with Tottenham expressing interest in the forward. The England international is away on World Cup duty but remains a constant fixture in the headlines as speculation surrounding his future continues.
Following an extremely fruitful loan stint at Barcelona, the Catalan giants opted against activating the buy clause in his agreement. Nevertheless, their decision could prove beneficial for Spurs as The i Paper revealed the north London outfit are eager to strike a deal for Rashford.
Spurs have bolstered their backline considerably after securing the signatures of Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. Nevertheless, Roberto De Zerbi is yet to strengthen his attacking options.
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It stands to reason Tottenham would be targeting new forward talent following Dejan Kulusevski’s absence throughout the entire 2025/26 season due to injury. Dominic Solanke and Mohammed Kudus also spent lengthy spells on the treatment table last season, while Xavi Simons was ruled out of the World Cup after picking up an injury late in the campaign.
Rashford’s current £300,000-a-week salary is reportedly the primary obstacle, although he did accept reduced wages when joining Barca last summer. Should he be willing to take another financial hit to secure a permanent move, Spurs could extend their busy summer by launching a bid for the Three Lions forward.
Fernandes ‘agrees personal terms’ with United
In a breakthrough many at the Theatre of Dreams have been anticipating, Mateus Fernandes has reportedly reached an agreement with United over personal terms. Recent reports have indicated United are frontrunners in the race for the Portugal international, with Spurs also understood to be keen.
Now arrives the challenge of settling on a fee with West Ham, who are believed to be seeking in excess of £80m for the midfielder. United, though, are said to be reluctant to go near that valuation.
According to talkSPORT, Fernandes is satisfied with the contract proposal put forward by United in the wake of West Ham’s drop into the Championship. Should those claims prove accurate, the 21-year-old has essentially signalled his approval to join United and is prepared to allow the two clubs to negotiate the finer details.
While United may have moved swiftly to register their interest, that speed could count for little unless they can satisfy West Ham’s demands. New Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is also believed to admire Fernandes, although Los Blancos have already invested heavily during this transfer window.
Fernandes now boasts two campaigns of top-flight English football following his £25m switch from Southampton last summer. It appears almost inevitable the player will not be featuring in England’s second tier next season, though the Hammers retain significant leverage as their star seeks a departure from the London Stadium.
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