Manchester United's pursuit of Mateus Fernandes is intensifying, with the club reportedly making a substantial offer to secure the services of the Portuguese midfielder. The 21-year-old's future is in flux after West Ham's relegation to the Championship, with the club open to offers exceeding £38 million, double what they paid for him last summer. This development comes as a surprise, given Fernandes' recent performances and his potential to enhance United's midfield. The club's interest in Fernandes is driven by manager Michael Carrick's desire to strengthen his midfield options, with the addition of Ederson from Atalanta expected to bolster the team's central midfield. The race for Fernandes is intense, with Tottenham Hotspur also in the running, reportedly offering higher wages and a more substantial fee to West Ham. The North London club aims to rebuild their squad this summer, with Fernandes as a key target to partner with Sandro Tonali in midfield. However, the situation took an intriguing turn on Saturday morning, according to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, as Manchester United stepped up their efforts to sign Fernandes. Fresh talks with the player indicate a willingness to improve their contract offer, with further discussions with West Ham anticipated. The competition from Tottenham remains fierce, with The Times reporting their confidence in agreeing personal terms with Fernandes and Tonali. Yet, Manchester United is determined to secure Fernandes, having previously targeted Tonali. The club's persistence in this transfer saga highlights their commitment to strengthening their midfield, despite the challenges posed by the competition from Tottenham. The outcome of this transfer battle remains uncertain, but Manchester United's efforts to secure Fernandes showcase their determination to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.