Man United fans tried to warn Mateus Fernandes as he is hooked at half-time and criticised by De Zerbi

Manchester United will be delighted that they missed out on the signing of Mateus Fernandes this summer.

Once it became clear that Manchester United weren’t signing Elliot Anderson, attention turned towards Mateus Fernandes as the top transfer target.

But Fernandes signed for Spurs in an £85m deal, well above the fee that United were willing to pay for the Portuguese midfielder.

Fernandes endured a nightmare start to the season, and it is only getting worse for the 22-year-old.

Mateus Fernandes criticised and hooked at half time

United’s start to the season has been underwhelming, but at least it hasn’t been as bad as Tottenham’s…

The North London side are yet to win a match this season, and Fernandes has come under fire from his manager Roberto De Zerbi.

“I have a big confidence with Mateus, but I didn’t like his performance today,” De Zerbi said after Spurs lost 3-2 to Aston Villa.

“Otherwise I couldn’t change. But he knows that this is not an attack on Mateus, it is not a problem. But for Mateus, we need more from Mateus, because he can.”

Fernandes was replaced at half-time by De Zerbi after a very disappointing performance from the £85m signing.

Man United fans tried to warn Mateus Fernandes

It has widely been reported that the reason United didn’t push harder to sign Fernandes was that he never made it clear that his preferred destination was Old Trafford.

United fans predicted Fernandes would struggle at Tottenham, and now that prediction is coming true in front of our eyes.

It was also made clear that United fans felt Tottenham overpaid for Fernandes, and that £85 million transfer fee is already reflecting poorly on the club.

READ MORE: Why Alejandro Balde and Mateus Fernandes deals were a ‘red flag’ for Man Utd chief Jason Wilcox

Fernandes had the opportunity to push for a United move so he could play alongside his idol Bruno Fernandes in midfield.

The regret he must feel about his summer decision will surely sting.