Manchester United have had a surprisingly quiet start to the summer transfer window, still awaiting their first signing. After prioritising defence and attack in recent seasons, the focus has shifted to midfield. With Casemiro gone and other midfielders' futures uncertain, strengthening the engine room is a pressing priority. More importantly, United need transformative players, not just depth.
There have been setbacks: Manchester City won the race for Elliot Anderson, and Tottenham beat United to Mateus Fernandes and look set to also sign Sandro Tonali. However, the market still offers high-calibre alternatives.
Aurelien Tchouameni: A £100m Option from Real Madrid
United found success prising Casemiro from Real Madrid, so a return to the Bernabeu for Aurelien Tchouameni is plausible. Normally untouchable, Tchouameni's situation has changed. Towards the end of last season, he was involved in a training ground bust-up with teammate Fede Valverde. Though publicly downplayed, speculation persists that tensions remain, potentially opening the door for a move.
Real Madrid are also targeting another marquee midfield signing, with new head coach Jose Mourinho reportedly eyeing Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and PSG's Vitinha. If Madrid need funds for a major arrival, Tchouameni could be a valuable saleable asset. Any deal would likely require around £100m, but for a midfielder entering his prime with elite pedigree, it would be money well spent.
Alex Scott: A £60m Premier League Talent
United's recruitment strategy has centred on proven Premier League talent, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott fits the bill. The 22-year-old had an outstanding campaign, with many believing he was unfortunate to miss out on Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup. That disappointment could work in United's favour: while Tchouameni would return from a demanding tournament, Scott would head into pre-season fully rested.
Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell, and with interest from several Premier League rivals, United would likely need to pay around £60m. Scott is an energetic, technically gifted all-action midfielder who excels at carrying possession, evading pressure, and linking play, while his work rate and pressing make him valuable without the ball.
Dream Midfield Trio with Ederson
With Tchouameni and Scott joined by Brazilian Ederson—who United agreed a £35m plus £3.8m add-ons deal for last month—manager Michael Carrick would have an ideal blend of physicality, technical quality, and dynamism. Tchouameni would provide the defensive platform, Scott the energy and ball-carrying ability, and Ederson the link between defence and attack with progressive passing and intelligent movement.
This balanced trio could compete with the best in Europe. With Bruno Fernandes pulling strings further forward, and Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Manuel Ugarte providing depth, United would be well-equipped to build on their strong finish to the 2025/26 season and mount a genuine Premier League title challenge.
