Player ratings: 10/10 West Ham star shows why Man United want him in Sunderland win

Player ratings: 10/10 West Ham star shows why Man United want him in Sunderland win

West Ham claimed successive Premier League victories for the first time since November with a deserved 3-1 win over Sunderland, narrowing the gap to safety — and Manchester United will have been watching closely.

If the dramatic win away at Tottenham breathed life back into West Ham’s survival hopes, then this triumph over Sunderland felt like a full revival of their Premier League campaign.

However, while the result was crucial for the Hammers, it may also carry longer-term consequences, with one outstanding performer continuing to attract admiring glances from Manchester United.

Much like United, West Ham’s recruitment strategy in recent seasons has often been questioned, and those missteps have played a major role in dragging the club into a relegation fight. That said, the Irons now have genuine belief they can beat the drop — largely thanks to one of their most inspired signings in years.

Fernandes dazzles as United take notice

There was plenty of surprise when West Ham paid £40 million to sign Mateus Fernandes from Championship side Southampton last summer. The Hammers fended off competition from several clubs to secure his signature, including Manchester United.

Recent reports suggest United remain keen, particularly with Casemiro expected to depart and growing doubts among fans over Manuel Ugarte’s long-term suitability. West Ham officials have already dismissed the idea of selling Fernandes in January, but the situation could change in the summer — especially if relegation becomes a reality.

United’s scouts would have been paying close attention at the London Stadium, and Fernandes did nothing to dampen their interest. In fact, he delivered a breathtaking, all-action display that underlined exactly why he is so highly rated.

The midfielder dominated the contest, recording 67 touches and completing 42 of his 47 passes. Eight of his nine long balls found their target, he won all seven of his ground duels, made five tackles, recovered possession four times and completed a successful dribble.

The standout moment, though, was a spectacular long-range goal. Fernandes split the Sunderland defence with a perfectly weighted pass to release Crysencio Summerville, surged forward to collect the return ball, and rifled a stunning strike into the top corner from distance to make it 3-0.

He almost surpassed that effort late on, unleashing an even longer-range attempt that crashed off the underside of the bar and was ruled not to have crossed the line.

His contribution proved decisive. Summerville had earlier opened the scoring with a superb headed finish — his first for the club — from Jarrod Bowen’s pinpoint cross, while Bowen’s successful penalty restored West Ham’s two-goal cushion after Sunderland briefly threatened a comeback.

For now, Fernandes’ form is powering West Ham’s fight for survival. But questions surrounding his future are inevitable, and Manchester United are expected to make a move if he continues producing performances of this level. Should the Hammers stay up, it is understood they would demand no less than £80 million.

West Ham player ratings vs Sunderland

Alphonse Areola – 8/10
The French goalkeeper has been outstanding since Nuno Espírito Santo’s arrival. While not heavily tested, he made two vital saves at crucial moments — one at 0-0 to tip over a fierce long-range strike, and another sharp reaction stop after Sunderland pulled a goal back.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 8/10
An excellent display at both ends of the pitch. Energetic, disciplined, and perfectly balanced in defence and attack.

Konstantinos Mavropanos – 7.5/10
Largely dealt well with Brian Brobbey but lost concentration for Sunderland’s goal. Still, his overall performances have improved significantly under Nuno.

Jean-Clair Todibo – 8.5/10
Another commanding outing from the Frenchman, who has arguably benefitted more than anyone from the managerial change. Calm, composed, and increasingly influential at the back.

Ollie Scarles – 7.5/10
Continued his strong response after a difficult night against Fulham. Although his rash challenge led to Sunderland’s goal and his substitution, he played a key role in winning the penalty that Bowen converted.

Tomas Soucek – 7.5/10
A typically industrious display. Disciplined, reliable and effective without grabbing headlines, but absolutely central to the team’s structure.

Mateus Fernandes – 10/10
A complete midfield performance and a deserved man-of-the-match award. His quality, influence and growing list of admirers — including Manchester United and Real Madrid — say everything.

Jarrod Bowen – 9/10
A goal and an assist took him to 103 goal contributions for West Ham, surpassing Michail Antonio as the club’s all-time leader. Tireless, driven and revitalised.

Crysencio Summerville – 8.5/10
Outstanding once again. His perfectly timed header was superb, and his pace and directness constantly troubled Sunderland. Crucially, he is now delivering end product when it matters most.

Pablo & Taty Castellanos – 7/10
Neither looks particularly refined technically, and Pablo especially appears more Championship than Premier League level. However, their relentless work rate, pressing and commitment have made a real difference. They embody the effort and passion supporters want to see — and it is paying dividends.