Matheus Fernandes Reveals Why He Chose Tottenham Over Manchester United in Huge £85m Transfer Twist
Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly pulled off one of the biggest transfer coups of the summer, beating Manchester United to the signing of highly-rated midfielder Matheus Fernandes in a deal reportedly worth around £85 million.
The move has already attracted huge attention across the Premier League, particularly because Fernandes had initially appeared destined for Old Trafford. Instead, Tottenham made a decisive move at the crucial moment, convinced the young midfielder that North London was the perfect destination for the next stage of his career.
Now, Fernandes has finally revealed why he rejected Manchester United and chose Tottenham — and his explanation suggests the decision was about far more than money.
The midfielder, who impressed enormously despite West Ham’s difficult relegation campaign last season, emerged as one of the most exciting young midfielders in English football. His performances placed him firmly on the radar of several major clubs, with Manchester United among those believed to be seriously interested.
However, Tottenham eventually won the race.
Fernandes has explained that two major factors ultimately convinced him to choose Spurs: his relationship with Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi and the club’s ambition to challenge for major honours.
Speaking to The Athletic, Fernandes made it clear that the opportunity to compete at the highest level was a major attraction.
“The desire of playing for a big club, winning games, to fight for the Premier League, for the title,” Fernandes said when discussing his decision.
That ambition appears to have struck a chord with the midfielder. Rather than simply joining another Premier League club, Fernandes wanted to feel that he was joining a team with genuine aspirations of competing for the biggest trophies.
But perhaps the most revealing part of his decision was the personal connection he developed with De Zerbi.
According to Fernandes, the Tottenham boss played a huge role in convincing him that Spurs was the right place for him. De Zerbi reportedly maintained regular contact with the player and even spoke with Fernandes’ family during the negotiations.
“The way he spoke with me and my family was very important for me,” Fernandes explained. “He was calling me every day, so I’m very happy to work with him, and hopefully we can do great things.”
The midfielder admitted that the relationship was particularly meaningful because his parents do not speak English fluently.
“It was more about forming a connection, because my dad and my mum don’t speak English very well. It was more about feelings,” he added.
Fernandes then revealed perhaps the strongest indication of the bond he has already developed with De Zerbi.
“He said he would take care of me, that he would be my second dad in England. I’m very happy to work with him.”
That personal reassurance appears to have been decisive.
Tottenham also had another advantage in their pursuit — Fernandes’ former Sporting Lisbon teammate Pedro Porro.
The Tottenham right-back personally contacted Fernandes and encouraged him to make the move to North London.
“He called me one day — I didn’t answer because I was sleeping,” Fernandes recalled. “He said, in Portuguese, ‘Come on Matheus, you need to play with us, we want you. It was me that told the manager to bring you.’”
Once the transfer was completed, Porro also helped Fernandes understand what life inside the Tottenham dressing room would be like.
Fernandes clearly holds his former teammate in extremely high regard.
“He’s an important player. He’s one of the best right-backs in the world. He’s a top guy,” he said.
For Manchester United, Fernandes’ decision represents another major transfer disappointment. Instead of securing the midfielder, United moved for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans and are reportedly still searching for another midfield addition before the transfer window closes.
The decision to spend around £50 million on Santos has already sparked debate among former United players.
Club legend Paul Scholes questioned why Chelsea would be willing to sell the 22-year-old midfielder after investing in his development.
“I don’t think there is going to be a lot of excitement about, or why is Chelsea selling him?” Scholes said.
He added that although recruitment teams would have studied Santos extensively, he remained unsure whether United had seen enough of the player at the highest level.
Scholes’ former Manchester United teammate Nicky Butt was more measured in his assessment, praising Santos’ physical ability and technical qualities while questioning whether he possesses one outstanding attribute that could make him truly elite.
“He has good legs, he is decent with the ball,” Butt said, before suggesting that Santos lacks an obvious “x-factor.”
Butt also admitted that United supporters had expected the club to make a major midfield signing.
“Man United’s midfield, we all expected a massive signing. I hope he is brilliant. And he becomes a superstar.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham will be hoping Fernandes proves exactly why they were willing to spend so heavily to secure his signature.
With De Zerbi already establishing a strong relationship with the midfielder and Porro providing a familiar face inside the dressing room, Spurs appear to have created the perfect environment for Fernandes to flourish.
The pressure will now be enormous.
An £85 million price tag means expectations will be sky-high, but Tottenham will believe they have secured a midfielder capable of becoming one of the defining stars of their new era.
And after choosing Spurs over Manchester United, Fernandes now has the opportunity to prove that his decision was not only emotional — but the beginning of something special in North London.
