Manchester United transfer news: Carrick eyes Fernandes, and Scott raid, but Ugarte must go first
Manchester United transfer news: The Old Trafford rumour mill is spinning again. This time, it involves an ambitious midfield reshuffle. According to The Telegraph’s Mark Critchley, Manchester United are actively monitoring both Mateus Fernandes and Alex Scott. Michael Carrick wants reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut, but the reality of the situation is incredibly complicated.
United cannot simply throw cash around.
Before any new faces arrive in M16, Manuel Ugarte has to be shifted. The Uruguayan’s departure is the vital domino. It is all about trimming the wage bill and balancing the books, despite the usual ambitious noises coming out of the INEOS camp. Money is tight.
Dressing-room politics are also playing a major role in this pursuit. Bruno Fernandes has reportedly been singing the praises of his namesake, Mateus, behind closed doors. That endorsement carries immense weight with the hierarchy. There is a growing confidence within Carrington that a deal for the West Ham midfielder is entirely doable. Critchley isn’t claiming that personal terms are agreed or that a fee has been settled. It is a story of intent, heavily dependent on outgoings. It’s a refreshingly grounded piece of reporting in a summer usually dominated by hyperbole.
Separation of fact and fiction
Look at the two targets side by side. Mateus Fernandes is clearly the priority. Reports from Football Transfers suggest a £65m bid is on the table, West Ham are ready to sell, and the player prefers Manchester over Madrid. It has legs.
Alex Scott? That is a different beast altogether.
Bournemouth are digging their heels in, demanding somewhere between £60m and £80m. Bill Foley does not need to sell, and the Cherries are actively trying to tie the midfielder down to a new contract. Throw Chelsea and Liverpool into the mix, and you have a recipe for an expensive bidding war.
Read: Report – Man Utd set to submit bid for £65m Arsenal target
Carrick needs to be smart here. Ederson is through the door, Casemiro is seemingly off to Saudi Arabia, and Ugarte’s exit is a matter of when, not if. Secure Mateus Fernandes now and walk away from the Scott deal for the time being. Walking into a bidding war with Bournemouth is reckless. United should wait, let the market settle, and see if Foley’s resolve softens closer to deadline day.
More Manchester United Stories from Scorzo