The 21-year-old Portugal international — no relation to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes — joined West Ham from Southampton for £42 million last August but faces the prospect of Championship football after the club were relegated on the final day of the Premier League season.
Fernandes produced one of the most impressive individual campaigns of any player at a relegated club, contributing three goals and four assists in 36 Premier League appearances. His ability to press, receive the ball under pressure and drive through midfield lines drew admiration from across England and beyond.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is understood to have personally identified Fernandes as a target, viewing him as a complement to club captain Bruno Fernandes in United's engine room. Bruno Fernandes has reportedly recommended his compatriot to INEOS, and United's recruitment team have been convinced by his underlying numbers as much as his eye-catching output.
West Ham United's relegation weakens their hand in negotiations. A fee of £80 million had been mooted when the player was performing for a Premier League club, but the club's descent into the second tier is expected to bring that number down considerably.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and PSG have all been credited with interest. United, however, appear to be the most advanced and the player's own priority is to move to Old Trafford.
He made his senior debut for Portugal in April 2026, adding a full international cap to a profile that already includes consistent Premier League performances at a young age.
The World Cup timing, which would typically complicate summer recruitment, is less relevant in Fernandes's case — Portugal did not select him for the tournament, leaving him free to focus on a move without the distraction of the competition. United intend to use that window.