Manchester United are accelerating their midfield rebuild plans ahead of the summer transfer window, with the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson all but secured.
However, the Reds are not done with the reshaping of their midfield, with GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs reporting that Alex Scott and Mateus Fernandes are now the club’s leading targets as Michael Carrick prepares for his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are prioritising younger, high-upside profiles capable of developing into long-term starters, with both midfielders firmly on the radar.
Michael Carrick Targets Alex Scott For Old Trafford Transfer
Alex Scott
Bournemouth midfielder Scott is one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in the Premier League and is valued by the Cherries at around £80million, with the club determined to resist offers despite growing external interest.
Bournemouth remain adamant they do not want to lose key players this summer according to Talksport, with owner Bill Foley reportedly keen to build around his emerging core after securing European qualification.
Scott, who arrived from Bristol City in 2023 for around £25million, has quickly developed into a central figure in Bournemouth’s midfield, combining ball progression, creativity and tactical discipline to become a breakout Premier League star. However, the south coast club’s stance remains firm. Unless a significant offer arrives, he is not for sale. Manchester United’s interest is concrete, but they are not alone in tracking developments.
Alongside Scott, West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has also emerged as a major target, with reports suggesting United are preparing to make an official bid after identifying him as a priority alternative in midfield.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that discussions are already underway regarding Fernandes’ situation, with United actively engaging in talks behind the scenes. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said:
Manchester United are in official contact with the agent of the player. Manchester United already started the conversation with the agent to start preparing a bid to West Ham, so Man Utd are for sure in conversations with Mateus Fernandes.
United’s pursuit of Fernandes comes after they stepped away from a move for Elliot Anderson, with Nottingham Forest’s £130million valuation deemed excessive by the club.
Fernandes has endured contrasting fortunes at club level, experiencing back-to-back relegations with Southampton and West Ham, but his individual performances have continued to stand out due to his technical quality.
He also made his senior debut for Portugal in April, replacing United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, a symbolic moment ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford.
While Scott offers Premier League-proven versatility, Fernandes is viewed as a more progressive, deep-lying midfielder capable of controlling games from central areas.
Man Utd Still Targeting Midfield Transfer Additions
Mamadou Sangare
United’s evolving strategy under INEOS prioritizes long-term value and developmental ceiling over established marquee signings, a shift that has also seen Ligue 1 midfielder Mamadou Sangare linked with a potential £35million move, according to a report from Footmercato.
That's the valuation attached to the 23-year-old after a standout season in Ligue 1. However, it's suggested the eventual fee could prove to be even steeper.
For now, Scott and Fernandes sit at the top of United’s midfield shortlist, and with Bournemouth holding firm and West Ham open to the right offer, the race for reinforcements is only just beginning.
It has been over a decade since United’s last Premier League triumph under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. If his former midfield general Carrick is to return the Red Devils to glory, he must get this first summer window right.
Michael Carrick Related
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A lot of changes are expected to be made ahead of Carrick's first full season in charge at Old Trafford.