Mateus Fernandes chooses Tottenham for the challenge in the Premier League.

Mateus Fernandes has decided to join Tottenham Hotspur instead of opting for Manchester United, revealing two crucial reasons for his choice. The young midfielder, who stood out last season at West Ham during the club's difficult campaign, has become one of the most sought-after players in the market, with the transfer fee around £85 million. This amount makes him the fourth most expensive signing of this transfer window.

The Brazilian player emphasized that his relationship with Tottenham's coach, Roberto De Zerbi, and the ambition to compete for the Premier League title were determining factors in his decision. “The desire to play for a great club, to win games, and to fight for the Premier League title,” Fernandes told The Athletic. The way De Zerbi communicated with him and his family had a significant impact, as the coach contacted him daily. “He said he would take care of me, that he would be like a second father to me in England. I am very happy to work with him,” he added.

In addition to the influence of De Zerbi, Fernandes also mentioned the role of his former teammate at Sporting, Pedro Porro. The right-back convinced him to join Tottenham, stating, in Portuguese, that the club wanted him and that he had suggested his signing. “He called me one day — I didn’t answer because I was sleeping — and said: ‘Come on, Mateus, you need to play with us.’ After everything was sorted, I spoke to him about the club and the mentality of the team,” Fernandes said.

Meanwhile, Manchester United failed to secure the young midfielder, opting instead for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Paul Scholes expressed his concern regarding the acquisition of Santos, which cost around £50 million. “I don’t think there’s much excitement around it. He’s a young player and for the future, but Manchester United is not in a position to buy players just for the future,” Scholes stated, questioning the player’s ability to establish himself in the team.

Nicky Butt also commented on the signing of Santos, highlighting that while the player has potential, he does not possess a distinctive trait that sets him apart. “We were expecting a big reinforcement for the midfield. I hope he becomes a superstar,” he concluded. With changes to their squad choices, Manchester United will need to accelerate their search for a reinforcement that can make a difference next season.