United Reignite Fernandes Chase as Ugarte's World Cup Injury Scuppers Ratcliffe's Exit Plan

Manchester United have re-entered the fray for Mateus Fernandes, tabling an upgraded contract proposal to the West Ham midfielder as they look to steal a march on Tottenham Hotspur in the race for his signature.

Transfer expert Matteo Moretto revealed on June 27 that the Red Devils have made fresh overtures to the 21-year-old and are prepared to sweeten their terms to land him. United are also planning direct negotiations with West Ham, having stepped up their efforts in recent hours. Despite Tottenham pressing hard and previously securing the player's blessing for a switch to North London, Moretto suggested that United are now attempting to leapfrog their rivals.

The north London outfit had appeared to be closing in on a deal, with the two clubs locked in advanced talks over an £85 million transfer. Moretto had posted on June 25 that Fernandes had already green-lit a move to Spurs, with manager Roberto De Zerbi viewing him as a key target to strengthen midfield options.

Yet United's resurgence in the pursuit comes at a particularly opportune moment for the club, as they face an unexpected complication in their attempts to reshape the squad.

The setback for Ratcliffe's transfer plans arrived in devastating fashion during Uruguay's World Cup knockout tie against Spain on June 27. Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off after suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury, having caught his studs whilst competing for possession with teammate Mathias Olivera as they chased Spain's Pedri. The midfielder departed the pitch in tears, with medical assessments suggesting a lengthy spell on the treatment table lies ahead.

The injury represents a significant headache for United's hierarchy. Ratcliffe had been keen to move Ugarte on, having been distinctly unimpressed with his showing against Leeds United at Old Trafford in April. The INEOS supremo had sanctioned making the Uruguayan available for transfer, but the prospect of offloading a player sidelined for months—particularly one with injury concerns—renders that objective considerably more complicated.

For Ugarte himself, the timing could scarcely be worse. The 25-year-old now faces an extended period away from action when he would ordinarily be looking to cement his place in the team and prove his worth at club level.