According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have significantly stepped up their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson Silva and West Ham United’s Matheus Fernandes. The club aims to secure at least two new midfielders this summer, and they are currently compiling a shortlist of key candidates.
United are preparing to move quickly once their primary targets become clearer and various uncertainties are resolved. The club has not abandoned their interest in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, but with his move to Manchester City appearing increasingly likely, United have accelerated their scouting of alternatives. Both Ederson and Matheus Fernandes are now high on that list.
Ederson had been close to joining Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish side has shifted focus to Wolverhampton’s Joao Gomes—another player on United’s radar—partly due to financial considerations. This has opened the door for other clubs, including United, to compete for the Brazilian midfielder. However, Sky Sports understands that reports claiming Ederson has already agreed personal terms with United are untrue.
Matheus Fernandes has also impressed United and several other clubs this season. Should West Ham face relegation—which Opta data suggests has an 85% probability—the player’s availability and transfer fee will become clearer.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba remains a key target for United, with the club having conducted extensive scouting on him. Sky Sports previously reported that United attempted to sign him as early as January. Sources indicate the club hopes to finalize the deal before the World Cup.
Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is also on United’s radar, though the situation at the Bernabeu is fluid. Despite a recent altercation with teammate Fede Valverde, many internal matters remain unresolved, including the growing likelihood of Jose Mourinho taking over as Madrid’s head coach.
Other names on United’s extended list include Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams and Scott, as well as promising youngsters such as Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Olympiacos’s Muzakitis.
