Manchester United’s summer midfield situation is a mess. Not a total disaster yet, but close. And it’s getting more tangled by the day.
They started strong — a £39 million deal for Atalanta’s Ederson was locked in early, which looked like a smart, decisive move. Then the wheels came off. Both of their main targets, Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, were snatched by direct rivals. Manchester City got Anderson. Tottenham hijacked the Fernandes deal. Both went for club-record fees, both way above what INEOS was willing to stomach.
So now United is scrambling. Their list of alternatives includes Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos. But here’s the thing — going after one might cost them the other.
The Scott Situation
Alex Scott, 22, had a breakout season on the south coast. He joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £25 million in 2023 and took a little while to find his footing. But under Andoni Iraola, he’s become one of the most complete midfielders in the league. Not just technically sharp anymore — he’s added real physicality and better defensive work.
Iraola called him “a very, very complete player” after Scott bossed a win over Arsenal in April. He’s played No. 10, No. 8, even No. 6. Bournemouth has made multiple contract extension offers, but so far no deal. They insist he’s not for sale regardless, though United is reportedly “increasingly optimistic” a deal can happen. Arsenal has also made a formal inquiry.
The Chelsea Connection
This is where it gets layered. Chelsea has liked Scott for a long time, according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips. They’ve scouted him all season. They know Bournemouth’s stance is tough, but they’re still planning to try and strike a deal.
To fund that, Santos might be the sacrifice. Phillips reports that Chelsea is open to letting the Brazilian go if a suitable offer arrives — and United made contact with Santos last week. The Blues wanted £50 million for him last summer when the Garnacho deal was being worked out, but they refused to sell then.
Santos, 22, wants more minutes. He’s struggled to break through ahead of Caicedo and Fernandez at Chelsea. And sources say he’s keen on a move to Old Trafford if it materializes.
The Dominoes Keep Falling
Here’s the problem: If United targets Santos, they could beef up Chelsea’s budget and make it easier for the Blues to go get Scott. United could end up missing on yet another priority target.
And it goes deeper. Chelsea is also looking at Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton if they sell Enzo Fernandez, who Real Madrid wants. Madrid’s valuation on Fernandez is £120 million, which might force them to offload Aurelien Tchouameni — a dream target for United. But Tchouameni has also been linked to Chelsea thanks to Xabi Alonso’s relationship from their time at Madrid.
So the whole midfield carousel is spinning. Every top club in England is fighting over a limited pool of options. United keeps getting priced out of their first choices, which explains why they jumped early on Ederson as a B-list fallback.
A former coach called Scott an “absolute diamond.” And honestly, he might be a better fit than Fernandes, who Tottenham overpaid for. But there’s a real question about how Scott pairs with Kobbie Mainoo. They share similar strengths — and similar weaknesses. Santos might be a more natural partner for Mainoo, even if he’s not as good as Scott.
It’s a tough call for INEOS. Bournemouth’s position is clear: nobody’s getting Scott this summer. But in this market, that could change with one phone call.
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