Manchester United have been forced to reconsider their midfield transfer plans after missing out on top targets Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson this summer. The club refused to match Tottenham's £85 million bid for West Ham's Fernandes, who has now moved to north London, while Manchester City secured Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a record £116 million deal.
Ederson Already Secured, But More Needed
United have already completed a £35 million signing of Ederson from Atalanta, but the departure of Casemiro at the end of last season leaves a gap for an elite midfielder. With two prime targets now off the table, the club is exploring alternative options.
Alex Scott: Bournemouth's Rising Star
Bournemouth's Alex Scott has been on United's radar for much of the season and has seen his stock rise as other targets slipped away. The England international delivered an exceptional campaign, earning a spot in England's pre-World Cup training camp, and has also attracted interest from Arsenal. Bournemouth are keen to secure Scott on new terms, potentially inserting a release clause similar to the one that allowed Antoine Semenyo to move to Manchester City mid-season. United's urgent need for midfield cover may force them to act quickly.
Aurelien Tchouameni: Real Madrid Star Could Be Available
The France international is the most high-profile name on United's list. The club has monitored him for months, learning that a departure from Real Madrid this summer is not out of the question. Despite Real officials maintaining he will stay, an altercation with captain Federico Valverde late last season has fueled speculation. Jose Mourinho also wants to retain Tchouameni, but if Real secure a big-money midfielder this summer, the situation could shift.
Carlos Baleba: Brighton's High Valuation Remains
Baleba is arguably the third midfielder United have walked away from due to a steep asking price within the past year. Brighton's £100 million valuation deterred them 12 months ago, and despite the 22-year-old experiencing a challenging season, the Seagulls have not substantially reduced their asking price. United retain interest but progress has been minimal.
Adam Wharton: Interest Cools Due to Similarity to Mainoo
Interest in Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton has cooled considerably. United believe he bears too much resemblance to Kobbie Mainoo to operate alongside him in a two-man midfield. Additionally, the premium prices set by recent deals—City's £116m for Anderson and West Ham's £85m for Fernandes—mean Palace will likely demand a similar fee, further deterring United.
Felix Nmecha: Wilcox Connection at Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha has a fan in United's director of football Jason Wilcox, who played a key role in City's academy during Nmecha's 14-year spell there. Multiple Premier League clubs have monitored the midfielder, but his World Cup campaign ended with a half-time substitution as Germany lost to Paraguay on penalties, and his impact diminished throughout the competition.
Other Options: Tonali, Berge, and Adams
United registered interest in Newcastle's Sandro Tonali earlier this summer but have shown no appetite to rival Tottenham, who look set to pay £100m for the Italian. At the more affordable end, they have assessed Fulham's Sander Berge and USA midfielder Tyler Adams, who plays alongside Scott at Bournemouth.
