United Pivot to Fernandes After Dismissing Anderson's £121m Price Tag

Manchester United have switched their midfield focus away from Elliot Anderson and onto West Ham's Mateus Fernandes following a strategic rethink by the club's INEOS ownership.

The Red Devils had long considered the England international midfielder a prime target, but City's aggressive pursuit—including a £121million offer that Forest still deemed insufficient—has prompted United to step back from the bidding war. INEOS have concluded the price simply does not justify the investment.

Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano outlined United's thinking on his YouTube channel Wednesday evening, explaining the club views such spending as excessive and are determined to avoid "crazy" financial decisions. United have already secured Brazilian midfielder Ederson Silva from Atalanta and are hunting for at least one additional midfielder, but only on sensible terms.

Journalist Ben Jacobs added further context on X, noting that Anderson himself appears to favour City, making any United approach unlikely to succeed regardless of price. With that door closing, United have redirected their efforts elsewhere.

Enter Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old West Ham midfielder has become United's new top target, with the Portuguese international understood to be genuinely enthusiastic about a move to Old Trafford. West Ham's recent Championship relegation has weakened their negotiating position, with the Hammers reportedly seeking £85million for their academy product.

Chief Manchester United correspondent Tyrone Marshall confirmed the shift in strategy on X, stating that United are now focusing on alternatives to Anderson—specifically players who actively want to join the club. Fernandes sits at the summit of that list.

The Manchester Evening News report emphasised that INEOS are prioritising recruitment of players genuinely keen on the move, with the West Ham prospect fitting that criterion perfectly.

Bournemouth's Alex Scott remains on United's radar as well, valued at approximately £80million by the south-coast club, though Fernandes currently occupies pole position in the midfield pecking order.