Expert: Fernandes identified as Casemiro replacement - but there's a West Ham catch
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Sat 21 March 2026 10:00, UK 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. 🔄 Man United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signing scoops, departures, and contract news from the United boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Mateus Fernandes future tied to West Ham relegation battleEverton’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.Minutes Played2,309Successful Passes87.7%Chances Created28Duels Won 55%Aerial Duels Won51.9%Mateus Fernandes’ 2025-26 Premier League stats for West Ham.He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Look, he has been outstanding for West Ham.
If they escape and stay up, he won’t be going anywhere. 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. 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 planFormer 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.