Manchester United are gifting Michael Carrick a brand-new midfield this summer, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott expected to be the headline arrival. Champions League football returns to Old Trafford after Carrick guided the side to a third-place finish, making squad building a top priority. The departure of Casemiro leaves a void, and the club have already begun addressing it.
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans Arrivals
Andrey Santos has joined United from Chelsea for £50m, and Youri Tielemans could follow from Aston Villa. United are in advanced talks with Villa and have reportedly activated Tielemans' £35m release clause. The move for Ederson now looks dead in the water but may be revisited later. Three midfielders are expected to be signed this window.
Alex Scott as the Ideal Box-to-Box Option
Tielemans, an alternative to Ederson, can also play as a No. 10. Kobbie Mainoo will likely anchor the double pivot, so a combative, box-to-box No. 8 is needed. Scott fits perfectly. In United's final game of the 2025/26 season against Brighton, they deployed four attacking players ahead of Mainoo and Mason Mount, already planning for life without Casemiro. Mainoo was incredible, winning duels and running the show from a defensive position. Mount impressed as the No. 8, but United need a more physical presence to protect Mainoo. Scott, 22, was phenomenal for Bournemouth as they qualified for European football for the first time. Bournemouth are trying to tie him to a new contract, but he sits atop United's midfield shortlist. The club should launch a bid for the youngster, valued at around £80m.
Scott's Attributes and Impact
Scott is tenacious, adept at carrying the ball upfield, and possesses elite positioning. He trumps Mount with intelligent defensive screening and clean interceptions. His tactical discipline allows him to sit, handle defensive transitions, and act as a primary progressor to get the ball to Bruno Fernandes. With Andrey Santos and Tielemans, United would have great backups and versatility. Mount could also feature if not sold. Scott is homegrown, which aids European competition registration.
