Manchester United have made an unexpectedly slow start to the summer transfer window and are yet to announce their first signing. Having focused on strengthening the defence and attack over the last two seasons, attention has now turned towards the midfield.
With Casemiro gone and uncertainty surrounding the futures of several other midfielders, reinforcing the centre of the park has become one of the club's biggest priorities. Not only that, United need midfielders who can genuinely improve the starting XI rather than simply increase squad depth.
There have already been setbacks. Manchester City have won the race to sign Elliot Anderson, while Tottenham beat United to Mateus Fernandes and are also expected to land Sandro Tonali. That said, there are still plenty of top-quality midfielders available who could significantly strengthen the squad.
Dream Midfield Target: Aurelien Tchouameni
United's success in signing Casemiro from Real Madrid may encourage them to revisit the Bernabeu in pursuit of another elite midfielder. Normally, Aurelien Tchouameni would appear completely out of reach, but a few circumstances could give United reason for optimism.
Late last season, Tchouameni was reportedly involved in a training-ground confrontation with team-mate Fede Valverde. Although both players insisted there were no lingering problems, reports have continued to suggest that tensions behind the scenes may not have disappeared entirely, potentially making a transfer more realistic.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are said to be planning another major midfield acquisition, with new manager Jose Mourinho reportedly interested in players such as Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and PSG midfielder Vitinha. Should the Spanish club need to generate funds to finance a big-money signing, Tchouameni could become one of their most valuable players to sell.
Securing his signature would almost certainly demand a substantial investment from United, with the transfer fee expected to be close to £100m. Even so, paying that amount for a midfielder entering the peak years of his career, with proven world-class ability and the quality to influence matches at both ends of the field, could represent excellent value.
Second Target: Alex Scott
United have placed a strong emphasis on recruiting players with Premier League experience, and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott fits that approach perfectly. The 22-year-old impressed throughout an excellent season at the Vitality Stadium, with many believing he deserved inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup 2026.
Missing out on international selection could ultimately benefit United. Unlike Tchouameni, who would return after a busy summer tournament, Scott would begin pre-season refreshed and ready to make an immediate impact.
Bournemouth have little incentive to part with one of their key players and, with several Premier League clubs also monitoring him, United would probably need to offer around £60m before the Cherries considered a sale.
Scott is a dynamic and technically accomplished midfielder who is at his best in possession. He is particularly effective at driving forward with the ball, escaping pressure in congested areas and connecting defence with attack. Off the ball, his tireless work ethic and intelligent pressing add even more value to his game.
Dream Midfield Lineup
Alongside Tchouameni and Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who United reportedly agreed to sign last month in a deal worth £35m plus £3.8m in add-ons, Scott would complete a midfield packed with athleticism, technical ability and energy.
Tchouameni would provide the defensive foundation, Scott would inject drive and progressive ball carrying through the middle, while Ederson would seamlessly connect defence and attack with his work rate, forward-thinking distribution and clever movement, giving Carrick a balanced midfield capable of matching Europe's strongest sides.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes would continue to dictate play, while Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte would offer outstanding competition and depth. With those options available, United would be well positioned to build on their impressive end to the 2025/26 campaign and launch a serious challenge for the Premier League title.
