Manchester United will be targeting a new central midfielder this summer as they look to strengthen an area of their squad which is set to get weaker with the departure of Casemiro

Manchester United have one clear priority this summer – sign a midfielder. The Reds were priced out of moves for Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton last year after several big-money signings.

Kobbie Mainoo’s reintegration under Michael Carrick has perhaps negated some of that desperation for a new central midfielder. But Casemiro’s end-of-season departure will throw that issue straight back into the spotlight.

And West Ham’s financial struggles may offer United the perfect alternative to some of the more expensive options. News emerged via the Mirror on Saturday that the Hammers will have to sell players this summer – regardless of their Premier League status – after announcing losses of more £104million in their most recent accounts.

That could open the door for United’s hierarchy to look at Mateus Fernandes. The Portuguese has impressed at the London Stadium since arriving last summer from Southampton in a deal worth up to £42m.

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Fernandes has shone in a struggling team with four goals and four assists across all competitions. The 21-year-old has excelled in the central midfield position United need to strengthen and is only likely to improve in a better team.

Perhaps crucially, he has the Premier League experience United have sought out in some of their recent signings. It’s no coincidence that former Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and ex-Wolves player Matheus Cunha have excelled at Old Trafford this term, and that could convince director of football, Jason Wilcox, to sign Fernandes.

One concern, however, could be his defensive skills. United need a similar player to Casemiro this summer, with the only current alternative in Carrick’s squad being the struggling Manuel Ugarte.

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Baleba and Wharton are likely to be better options in that aspect and if United secure Champions League football – the club will receive as much as £100m. Those added funds could be better used to sign a more expensive player than Fernandes and one who provides what the Reds need most – a defensive midfielder.

Of course, depending on West Ham’s financial desperation, United could look to sign Fernandes and, for example, Baleba. Yet other areas of the squad also need to be looked at.

United have been shaky in defence for much of this season, and with Matthijs de Ligt’s injury struggles and Harry Maguire’s contract expiring this summer, a new centre-back may be needed. It also looks like forward areas will need to be strengthened.

An injury to one of United’s attackers would leave them short of options, and with the added strain of European football also likely next season, it remains an area of concern.

These questions pose a conundrum for the Reds ahead of a crucial summer window. For the right price, though, Fernandes looks to be an excellent option.

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