Manchester United are targeting an impressive midfielder who received glowing praise from Pep Guardiola
Bournemouth's Alex Scott during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Fulham at Vitality Stadium on October 3, 2025 in Bournemouth, England.
Alex Scott has been linked with Manchester United(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Pep Guardiola has previously expressed his admiration for Manchester United target Alex Scott, describing the midfielder as "an unbelievable player."
This high praise came after a then-19-year-old Scott played against Guardiola's team in an FA Cup match in early 2023 while at Bristol City. If that wasn't enough of an endorsement, Jack Grealish also dubbed the young player a "top, top talent" around the same time.
The 22-year-old has continued to develop his skills, becoming a crucial part of Bournemouth's squad under Andoni Iraola. His standout performances since his £25million transfer to the south coast have naturally led to speculation linking him with several Premier League giants.
Both City and their local rivals United are among those reportedly interested. Reflecting on Guardiola's comments in 2024, the midfielder shared how his mother was particularly thrilled by the commendation.
"To hear that from who I regard as one of the best managers of all time, it's a good feeling. It was amazing," Scott said. "It was a great feeling and my mum enjoyed it probably even more than me!
Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Antoine Semenyo during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Fulham at Vitality Stadium on October 3, 2025 in Bournemouth, England.
Alex Scott could be facing his former teammate on opposite sides of Manchester(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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"He didn't have to say that but to say it about an opposition player shows the respect he has and why he's gone so far in the game. Guardiola was incredible at Barcelona with that great team with Lionel Messi.
"I grew up with Guardiola as a manager and that whole team was just incredible. Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Messi doing his magic, he had brilliant midfielders at Bayern Munich with Thiago and now he's at Man City with Rodri who, for me, is one of the best players in the Premier League."
However, he could find himself playing for Guardiola's city rivals, who have made recruiting a midfielder their top priority for 2026. The Old Trafford outfit appear to be playing the waiting game, though, with recently dismissed manager Ruben Amorim indicating there would be no significant new arrivals in January before his departure.
With Michael Carrick stepping in as interim boss until the season's conclusion, United are expected to spend heavily in the summer on multiple midfield signings. Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Joao Gomes and Carlos Baleba have all been touted as potential targets for Old Trafford.
Scott must be impressing if he's being mentioned alongside such names by United officials, having earned his maiden England senior call-up from Thomas Tuchel in November 2025. Should the Red Devils ward off competing clubs and land his signature, they could well have a future Three Lions star in their ranks.