Manchester United’s summer midfield rebuild is quickly becoming a series of closed doors and price tags that INEOS doesn’t want to touch. The latest: Bournemouth’s new manager Marco Rose has told the club’s hierarchy that Alex Scott is not leaving.
This is starting to feel like a pattern. United had Elliot Anderson at the top of their list before Nottingham Forest’s asking price — one Manchester City is reportedly willing to meet — pushed them out. Then they pivoted to Mateus Fernandes, West Ham’s Portugal midfielder who had a solid season despite the club getting relegated. But Tottenham jumped into that race and is ready to pay West Ham’s full £80 million valuation. United? They’re stuck around £60 million and refuse to go higher.
So now the Red Devils are looking at backup options and Scott is the name getting fresh attention. TEAMtalk reports United made new inquiries this week to see if Bournemouth would move off their stance. The answer seems to be a firm no.
Rose replaced Andoni Iraola, who left for Liverpool after Arne Slot got fired. And the German coach is making Scott his hill to die on. According to reports, Rose told Bournemouth’s front office that Scott is central to his plans and he doesn’t want to sanction a sale. Sources describe his stance as particularly emphatic during internal discussions. He sees the 22-year-old as a cornerstone piece for his first season in charge.
Bournemouth’s front office is on the same page. They’ve told interested clubs Scott is not available this summer. Talks are already happening about a contract extension that would likely include a release clause — similar to what Antoine Semenyo got in his deal.
There’s mixed noise on whether a bid could actually change things. One report says £60 million would do it. Another claims it would take £80 million to get Bournemouth to the table. But if Rose has the final say and he’s made this kind of pitch to keep Scott, it might not matter what United offers.
Scott had a monster season for Bournemouth under Iraola. He’s got the kind of complete game that catches your eye — good on the ball, better without it, and a work rate that made Pep Guardiola call him “unbelievable” after a FA Cup match against Bristol City. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham have all kept tabs on him too.
The problem for United is that this keeps happening. They identify a target, someone else outbids them, and they move down the list. Fernandes was the backup to Anderson. Scott was supposed to be the backup to Fernandes. And now even that door might be shut before they can knock.
INEOS has been adamant about not overpaying. They point to the Manuel Ugarte deal as a lesson in why you don’t get carried away. But at some point, you need a midfielder who can actually play next season. The list of alternatives is getting shorter.
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