Why Manchester United and Europe's biggest clubs want Mateus Fernandes

Mateus Fernandes may have been relegated twice in his first two Premier League seasons, but that has not stopped major clubs from taking a serious interest in him. Manchester United are among the sides linked with the West Ham midfielder, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly watching him closely.

What makes Fernandes attractive is not team success, but the qualities he brings individually. He is one of the Premier League’s hardest tacklers and covers a huge amount of ground, making him a strong fit for a high-intensity midfield role. Those numbers suggest a player who can break up play, press aggressively and help a team control matches without always needing the ball.

Simon Rusk, who worked with Fernandes at Southampton, says that level of effort is no surprise. He describes Fernandes as mentally tough, energetic and highly coachable, with a strong desire to keep improving. Rusk also says Fernandes quickly understood what was asked of him and was willing to adapt when coaches wanted him to play in different ways.

That adaptability has been key to Fernandes’ rise. Southampton originally saw him as more of an attacking No 10, but he viewed himself as more of an all-round midfielder, closer to a No 8. West Ham later used him in a deeper hybrid role between a No 6 and No 8, where his running power and defensive work stood out even if the team’s results did not.

Despite two relegations, Fernandes has remained trusted by several managers because he has been consistent, disciplined and mature for his age. Since arriving in England at 19, he has become a regular starter in the Premier League and earned the confidence of coaches at both Southampton and West Ham. That matters to clubs looking for a midfielder who can settle quickly and contribute immediately.

His mentality may also appeal to bigger clubs. Rusk says Fernandes was hurt by both relegations, but that he is likely to turn those setbacks into motivation rather than baggage. He sees that as evidence of a growth mindset and a player determined to use difficult experiences to become stronger.

There is still room for improvement, especially in front of goal. Fernandes scored five times and provided five assists for West Ham last season, which is a respectable return from midfield, but not yet elite. Rusk believes adding more goals could turn him into a truly complete midfielder.

In a summer where top clubs are chasing several midfield options, Fernandes stands out because he combines work rate, tactical flexibility and room to grow. That is why being relegated twice has not removed him from the market — it may actually have made him more intriguing.