Manchester United finished with a strong 3rd place in the Premier League, and ensured continuity by giving Michael the permanent coaching job. With this starting point, United should have a good basis for securing the top goals in the summer transfer market. Unfortunately, it has not gone as planned.
Now we have the World Cup finals that disrupt the process, but while national team players are sweating in North America, the agents are working in high gear at home in Europe. Two midfielders have been at the top of the wish list of the United management and Carrick, now it looks like both are giving the thumbs down for a move to Old Trafford.
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The first was Elliot Anderson, in which United were involved, right up until Manchester City started shelling out bids of £100 million and more. There have also been reports that the English midfielder has chosen City over United.
Thus, United are out of that process. In recent months, Mateus Fernandes has also been heavily linked with United, one of captain Bruno’s favourite players in the transfer market. Here, the reports in recent weeks have been that United are well on their way to landing this signing.
In recent days, there has been a change in mood. According to former Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Tottenham are gaining the upper hand in this signing hunt, with Tottenham taking advantage of Manchester United’s stricter wage structure this summer, offering Fernandes a higher salary by wearing the Spurs shirt.
“United will be blown off the pitch,” the English journalist said on Thursday.
According to transfer journalist Matteo Moretto, Tottenham have started negotiations with West Ham about a purchase of the Portuguese midfielder, because the main man himself has given the green light to Spurs’ offer. In recent weeks, United have seemed by far the most serious suitor for Fernandes, but according to several media outlets – including The Athletic – Tottenham are willing to pay more in both transfer fees and wages.
Anderson gives thumbs up for City, Fernandes thumbs up for Tottenham. A reasonably slow start in the transfer market for a Manchester United in sporting tailwind.
