Nicky Butt has weighed in on the race for Mateus Fernandes between Man United and Tottenham, and has urged his former club to sign a Spurs star.
While Fernandes has reportedly said ‘yes’ to joining Tottenham, the Lilywhites still have work to do to win the race for the 21-year-old.
Man United are continuing to push Spurs in the race for the Portugal internaitonal, with both clubs reportedly holding talks with West Ham.
While it has been suggested that the race for Fernandes could be dictated by who offers a bigger financial package, one pundit has suggested that the Lilywhites may hold the advantage.
Nicky Butt on why Mateus Fernandes could prefer Tottenham move over Man United
Butt has now suggested that there could be one factor working hugely in Tottenham’s favour in the race for the West Ham star.
The pundit believes the 21-year-old’s entourage would be telling the youngster that he is likely to be the main man at Spurs, while there is no guarantee of regular starts at Man United.
The former United midfielder told Paddy Power (via Football.London): “Fernandes is a fantastic player. I loved him at West Ham when I watched him, but when it comes to Man United, he’s not going to be playing instead of Bruno Fernandes. I’m pretty sure the people around him will also be telling him that.
“He will want to kick on and become one of the best in the Premier League – his next move might then be to Real Madrid or Barcelona or wherever. If he goes to Tottenham, he’s going to be the main man, one of the best players. Plus, he’ll be on a fortune and living in London.”
Butt urges Man United to sign Lucas Bergvall
Amid Tottenham’s pursuit of Fernandes and other midfielders, it has been reported that Lucas Bergvall has informed Spurs he wants to leave this summer.
Butt has urged United to pivot to the 21-year-old Tottenham star, admitting that he would Swede come to Old Trafford.
The pundit added: “I like Bergvall a lot. It looks like Elliot Anderson is going to Man City, but United are still going for someone who can get around the pitch and be box-to-box. He’s pretty proven in the league and Scandinavian players always adapt very well.
“He’s powerful. He can run. I think he’d be a good player for Man United. It all depends on the price. But put that to one side, and he’s a very good player. Another player that can get around the pitch and do what a Man United player needs to do.”