According to The Telegraph, United view Rogers, 23, as a player capable of operating both as a left-sided forward — an area of weakness the club has openly acknowledged — and as a future number ten when the time comes to replace the Portuguese captain.
The dual purpose makes Rogers one of the most attractive attacking targets available, particularly as his PFA Young Player of the Year performances last season and 12 goals and nine assists across all competitions this term have established him as one of the best young attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
United's connections to Rogers run deep. Director of football Jason Wilcox worked with him during his time in Manchester City's academy, while head coach Michael Carrick managed the player at Middlesbrough before his £8 million move to Aston Villa in January 2024.
Rogers is understood to have an informal agreement with Villa that this summer represents a natural exit point. Villa are open to selling if the right offer arrives — their financial constraints under Premier League profitability and sustainability rules may accelerate that decision.
Fernandes, 31, is under contract at United until next summer with an option for a further year. His €65 million release clause is active until mid-July. While United are working hard to keep him — Champions League football was central to that effort — the club has acknowledged internally that planning for the succession is prudent given his age.
On Mateus Fernandes, The Telegraph reports that United held internal discussions about a formal bid last summer when Southampton were relegated but held back as the midfielder chose to join West Ham for £38 million. If West Ham are relegated this season — they currently sit one point above the drop zone — United expect to move again, anticipating that the club's financial situation will force a sale at a reduced figure. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult campaign at the London Stadium.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all monitoring Rogers, meaning United face significant competition to secure the deal on their preferred financial terms.