Ciaran Morrison

Sat 21 March 2026 10:00, UK

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Manchester United’s chances of signing West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes depends on whether the Hammers maintain their Premier League status.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who thinks Fernandes will leave West Ham if they are relegated this season.

West Ham are currently only inside the relegation zone on goal difference, with Fernandes proving key to their survival hopes in midfield.

Man United are targeting the 21-year-old amid a need to replace the departing Casemiro, and strengthen their midfield options.

It is set to be an active transfer window for Man United, who will need to strengthen their squad if they qualify for the Champions League for the first time in two seasons.

Mateus Fernandes future tied to West Ham relegation battle

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Fernandes “won’t be going anywhere” if West Ham remain in the Premier League.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness is not surprised that the Portugal international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Look, he has been outstanding for West Ham. He’s done a great job, and he would be one that would normally be linked.

“This is all going to be tied to whether West Ham escape or not. If they escape and stay up, he won’t be going anywhere. I’m pretty sure they’ll keep him and help build a team around him. But I’m afraid if they go down, he’ll be one of the first ones to go, so he’s got great value.

“So that’s going to be all about the next few weeks for West Ham. They put themselves very much back in the mix. Those three clubs down there are definitely in there. If you want, Leeds are even close now, so it could be four. But still, I think that’s going to be the answer to that one is will West Ham go or not?”

Man United reveal Elliot Anderson plan

Former chief scout at Old Trafford Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man United are desperate to agree the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer.

Anderson is on Man United’s list of midfield targets, and the club want to make the 23-year-old one of the best players in his position.

Man United face competition from rivals Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest could demand up to £100million for his signature.