Bruno Fernandes’ dream Man Utd midfield partner now after getting turned down | Football | Sport

Bruno Fernandes is in danger of once again missing out on his dream Manchester United midfield partner – again to Arsenal. The Red Devils captain recently admitted he was devastated when Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in the summer of 2023. Fernandes had viewed the England midfielder as the “perfect fit” for United, but Mikel Arteta persuaded him to join the Gunners for a club-record fee of £105million.

Without a powerhouse like Rice, United have found it difficult to strike the right balance in midfield in recent seasons. They are widely expected to bring in two or three new players in that area once the transfer window swings open. One name being touted for a move to Old Trafford is 21-year-old West Ham midfielder, Mateus Fernandes. The Hammers star is valued at somewhere between £50m to 80m, though that figure is likely to drop considerably should Nuno Espirito Santo’s side suffer relegation this season.

The Telegraph reports that Bruno is a keen admirer of his international team-mate and namesake, having openly championed Mateus’ suitability for United. However, the skipper would be wise not to get his hopes up about landing yet another West Ham midfielder, with Arsenal reportedly poised to swoop once more.

It was revealed this week that the Premier League leaders had set their sights on signing Mateus during the summer transfer window. The Times reported that Arteta is an admirer of his adaptability, given he is capable of operating in deeper positions while also providing a threat in advanced areas, much like Rice.

Should he make the switch to north London, Matheus would have already won over their supporters, having squandered a glorious chance to put West Ham ahead against Arsenal earlier this month and dent their title ambitions.

His lacklustre attempt was kept out by David Raya and Arsenal went on to claim a narrow 1-0 triumph, giving Rice a genuine opportunity to secure his first major honour with the club this weekend.

United’s Fernandes recently expressed his regret over Rice’s transfer three years ago, stating: “I admire him a lot first of all as a person, because I knew him from the Algarve when we were training together.

“I knew him already from West Ham and we knew the qualities that he had. I’ve always said that Rice was a player to play for Manchester United and I was really sad when he chose to go to Arsenal.

“I didn’t know if there was the opportunity or the chance for him to come to Manchester United but I always thought that he would be a perfect fit for our club.

“Not just for the player he is but the person he is, the professional he is. He showed me that. And for his personality.”