Man Utd news as Bruno Fernandes backs target and Mateus Fernandes update emerges | Football | Sport

Manchester United‘s latest rebuild is gaining momentum as decision-makers at Old Trafford seek to strengthen the squad this summer. Michael Carrick is understood to be close to securing Ederson, although the deal appears to have stalled following his recent call-up to Brazil’s World Cup 2026 squad.

However, he is far from the only target being pursued, with speculation mounting on several fronts. The World Cup is expected to cause delays while players focus on their international commitments, but that does not leave United completely powerless. Indeed, developments are occurring on multiple fronts, as two namesakes feature in this week’s most significant stories. Express Sport has rounded up some of the key developments…

United captain Bruno Fernandes has voiced his backing for reported target Rafael Leao following his recent red card controversy. AC Milan winger Leao received a straight red card for striking the face of Chile’s Ivan Roman during Portugal’s warm-up friendly ahead of the World Cup.

“Regarding my sending off, I simply wanted to protect my team-mate and never intended to hurt the opponent,” Leao posted in an Instagram update following the incident.

“Thank you to all the Portuguese fans who were at Jamor; the atmosphere was incredible. We move forward together.”

Some captains might be inclined to point the finger at the player for leaving his side undermanned in high-pressure circumstances. Yet United skipper Fernandes took a markedly different approach in his response.

Replying to Leao’s post, the United talisman wrote simply “Together.” That single word appeared to encapsulate how the seasoned Portugal international is firmly standing by his compatriot, despite widespread criticism suggesting Leao ought to have shown greater composure.

Leao, 26, is widely anticipated to depart the San Siro after a turbulent campaign with Milan. The forward has virtually confirmed he will be moving on, acknowledging that the style of Serie A may no longer be the right fit for him.

“I need a new challenge,” he recently told Sport TV. “In Italy, the league is evolving, but for my style of football, the Premier League or La Liga would better showcase my talent and me as a player.

“If the opportunity in the Premier League were to come my way, I would be very happy: I think I would be able to match my talent with players who are at a very high level.”

The other Fernandes making headlines today is West Ham midfielder Mateus, though his path to Old Trafford may have become more complicated.

This follows Florentino Perez’s re-election as Real Madrid president on Sunday, which is expected to pave the way for Jose Mourinho to return to the Bernabeu helm once more.

As a direct consequence, it is reported that Los Blancos will target West Ham’s Fernandes as a priority signing this summer. This could spell trouble for United, given that the allure of Real Madrid is notoriously difficult to resist.

With Perez’s presidency secured and Mourinho set for a return, Real can now press ahead with their summer overhaul in earnest. Perez has pledged that major signings will follow after a trophy-less campaign in the Spanish capital.

Fernandes, 21, will not come cheap, with the Hammers reportedly placing an £80million price tag on their prized asset. However, their relegation from the Premier League has significantly undermined their negotiating position.

This could hand United a potential lifeline, with the club potentially looking to simply outbid their rivals for Fernandes. Nevertheless, the player himself may hold considerable sway over his ultimate destination when the summer transfer window draws to a close.

West Ham splashed out just over £40m to bring Fernandes to the London Stadium from Southampton last year. Yet it now appears increasingly likely that several of Europe’s elite clubs will look to lure him away after just 12 months at the club.