Mateus Fernandes gave a telling response after seeing a Manchester United star
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Mateus Fernandes go back a long time(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
Mateus Fernandes once shared a fascinating story from his academy days about spotting Bruno Fernandes watching his game and wanting to impress the Manchester United captain.
The West Ham midfielder has been heavily linked with a United move this summer. It is understood that Fernandes, 21, will cost in excess of £80million, though the Reds are reportedly reluctant to go near that valuation.
Rivals such as Tottenham, Liverpool and Real Madrid are also potential destinations, with Spurs claimed to be ‘very close’ to striking a deal with Fernandes.
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Despite that, there is one little known factor that could play a huge part in Michael Carrick beating the aforementioned clubs to his signature. That is Fernandes’ huge respect for his idol, Bruno, who currently captains the Old Trafford side.
The chance to play alongside his compatriot could prove decisive in making United a more attractive destination, should they agree a fee with the Hammers.
The Irons midfielder suggested as much previously by recalling a time when he was a teenager playing in Sporting CP’s academy and instantly upping his game when he noticed his namesake, then a first team Sporting star, was watching from the side-lines.
He told CNN Portugal in 2024: “I remember one time when we [Sporting] were playing against Benfica, Under-16s. I’ll always have that moment in my memory.
“He [Bruno Fernandes] was off the field. That is, we were playing on one field and he was on the other field watching the game.
Bruno Fernandes was already highly respected at Sporting(Image: Getty)
“I don’t know if it was him and Nuno Mendes [former Sporting and current PSG player], and I remember seeing him and, suddenly, starting to assert myself on the field, yelling at everyone, just so he would notice. I don’t know if he remembers that moment but it’s something that stuck in my memory.”
It remains to be seen if his admiration for Bruno is enough to see him turn down the likes of Real Madrid or even Spurs. According to The Times, Jose Mourinho has requested that Real Madrid try to sign the Portugal international, who moved to West Ham last summer for an initial £38m from Southampton.
It also emerged on the weekend that Spurs are serious contenders. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi is claimed by The Athletic to be pushing to sign the talented Portuguese player.
West Ham have little choice but to sell Fernandes after being relegated to the Championship. However, it is unclear if the club are under financial pressure to sell this month to comply with Premier League rules.
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