Ruben Amorim heaped praise on Manchester United transfer target Mateus Fernandes before his move to Southampton in 2024. The midfielder departed Sporting CP for the Saints but was unable to spare them from the drop to the Championship despite a strong individual season.
Fernandes swiftly bounced back to the Premier League after completing a switch to West Ham for a fee of £38million plus £4m in add-ons. Now, with the Hammers having slipped down to the second tier, the Portuguese star is eyeing yet another return to the top flight. West Ham have slapped an £80m price tag on the gifted midfielder, with both United and Arsenal circling for his signature. The 21-year-old earned glowing praise from a familiar face at Old Trafford while he was still showcasing his talents at Sporting CP.
Amorim sanctioned the sale of Fernandes to Southampton in 2024 and confessed he was saddened to see the young midfielder depart. He told A Bola: “What we lost is a player. A young man with a lot of value who, in my opinion, has the characteristics to be a great player.
“But choices were made. And then, obviously, we do everything together. We really wanted to keep Mateus. And, honestly, I think Mateus would have liked to stay, despite it being a big contract and a big league. It was a difficult time for everyone.”
This glowing endorsement from Amorim highlights the calibre of player Michael Carrick could be bringing in with Fernandes this summer. United’s principal objective this window is strengthening their midfield following Casemiro’s exit.
Additional fringe players are expected to leave, with Manuel Ugarte reportedly permitted to depart on loan or permanently after a challenging period in Manchester.
Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo remain as Carrick’s primary jewels in midfield, but Carrick is eager for reinforcements owing to the additional pressures of Champions League football.
The Red Devils are believed to be nearing a deal for Atalanta star Ederson but still desire a marquee acquisition such as Elliot Anderson, Aurelian Tchouameni or Sandro Tonali.
Fernandes earned his senior debut for Portugal earlier this year but was omitted from the World Cup squad, affording United a window to finalise a deal during the major tournament.
Any agreement for Fernandes will represent a substantial windfall for Southampton. The Saints possess a 15 per cent sell-on clause from any transfer fee, meaning they could pocket £12m if the midfielder does move for at least £80m.