Manchester United are adopting a more measured approach to their midfield recruitment, refusing to be drawn into overpaying for targets despite significant investment from INEOS. The club reportedly balked at the £85 million asking price for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, who has since joined Tottenham Hotspur, and are unwilling to meet Aurelien Tchouameni’s salary demands, according to Fabrizio Romano.
United swiftly secured the signing of Ederson from Atalanta for an initial £35 million, but attempts to add further reinforcements have been complicated by inflated valuations. Nottingham Forest initially demanded £120 million for Elliot Anderson, a fee later reduced to £116 million after intervention from Manchester City, but this was still deemed excessive by the United hierarchy. A structured deal of £85 million for Fernandes was also considered, but Tottenham’s all-cash offer proved decisive.
Sources at the club, as reported by Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail, have indicated a willingness to explore options beyond established Premier League players if prices remain prohibitive. This shift in strategy is reportedly influenced by the success of their £1.5 million signing of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in early 2025. INEOS are using the Heaven deal as an example of identifying and developing potential, rather than solely pursuing high-profile, expensive signings.
Samuel Luckhurst of The Sun reports that United insiders believe Premier League clubs have increased asking prices by 20 percent following the Anderson transfer. Bournemouth are reportedly seeking £80 million for Alex Scott, while Crystal Palace value Adam Wharton at the same amount. The club are prepared to consider “rawer recruits” if they are unable to secure their primary targets at reasonable valuations. This change in approach signals a long-term strategy focused on sustainable recruitment and player development, rather than immediate, costly solutions.
