Former Manchester United and West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham has stated that Manchester United should not be overly disappointed about losing Mateus Fernandes, as the midfielder is 'simply not good enough' for the club. Fernandes, a key target for United this summer, is now on the verge of joining Tottenham Hotspur in an £85 million deal from West Ham United.
Fernandes' Move to Tottenham
Spurs have agreed an £85 million fee with West Ham for the Portugal international, a price United were unwilling to match. The club will now explore alternative targets in the transfer market. This development follows another setback, with Elliot Anderson closing in on a £116 million move to Manchester City, prompting speculation that United might shift their strategy toward cheaper, less experienced players.
Sheringham's Verdict
However, Sheringham believes United should instead pursue elite talent at any cost. 'Man Utd fans shouldn't be upset at missing out on Mateus Fernandes - he simply isn't good enough for the club,' Sheringham told ComeOn. 'I wasn't so impressed with Mateus Fernandes at West Ham this year. A lot of West Ham fans think he'll go on to bigger and better things but the jury's still out for me on Fernandes.'
Sheringham added: 'Manchester United need top players. They’ve already got enough decent players. They need to buy the top players or they will miss out again and again. It was the same with Harry Kane and Declan Rice a few years ago when the chance was there to go and sign them. United were nowhere in the market for them. Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t have let that happen.'
He concluded: 'Sir Alex always brought in the top players and they came in and led by example, and you need those top players at a club like United otherwise you'll end up in the same situation. It's not about having good players. You want great players playing for Manchester United because it takes a lot to play for the club. So go out and break the bank for the top players and let them lead.'
United's Champions League Return
Manchester United are preparing for a return to the UEFA Champions League in the 2026/27 season after finishing third in the Premier League last term. It will mark their first appearance in the competition since the 2023/24 campaign.
