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Manchester United missed out on signing Mateus Fernandes earlier this summer, as Tottenham Hotspur successfully secured the Portuguese midfielder after agreeing to West Ham United’s transfer demands.

Fernandes made his unofficial debut for Spurs today in a friendly clash against MK Dons, giving Manchester United supporters a glimpse of what their club might have lost out on.

The 22-year-old opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike during Tottenham’s behind-closed-doors friendly against the League One side at Hotspur Way.

The superb goal served as a reminder of Fernandes’ talent. While Manchester United had doubts about paying £85 million upfront, the Spurs midfielder is already beginning to prove that valuation might be justified.

The Red Devils had reportedly tabled a £70 million upfront bid with an additional £15 million in performance-related add-ons.

Tottenham, however, agreed to pay the full £85 million in one go, and the club appears satisfied with the early signs shown by their new signing.

Manchester United are still in search of a new midfielder and will be eager to bring in someone who can outshine Tottenham’s latest acquisition in the upcoming season and beyond.

Although Fernandes’ display in this friendly alone cannot yet justify his transfer fee, it clearly demonstrates his potential and technical ability.

Spurs seem to have unearthed a gem with this signing, and manager Roberto De Zerbi will be hoping the youngster carries this form into the new Premier League campaign, which begins next month.

After enduring consecutive Premier League relegations with Southampton and West Ham, Fernandes will now aim to help the Lilywhites secure a top-five finish in the upcoming season.