The Athletic dropped a detailed look at Manchester United’s midfield shopping list, and the picture is a mix of ambition and hard reality. The headline: United still wants a marquee signing in the middle of the park, even after missing out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes to Manchester City and Tottenham. The summer window is young, but the club’s patience is being tested.
The dream target remains Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni. The 26-year-old French international is the guy United sees as the long-term replacement for Casemiro. But here’s the thing — a deal would be extremely difficult and expensive. According to The Athletic, Madrid would need to sell before they can buy, and Tchouaméni is the most valuable chip they might be willing to cash. Jose Mourinho, now at the helm in Madrid, wants more creativity and control in midfield, so Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and City’s Rodri are on his radar (though neither looks likely). If that pushes Tchouaméni toward the exit, United is ready to pounce. The player reportedly wants to play at Old Trafford and would be open to the move.
Scott and Nmecha: Two very different price points
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is another name in the mix. The 22-year-old Guernsey native had a standout season on the south coast, and big clubs — Arsenal included — have taken notice. But Bournemouth is playing hardball. They don’t want to sell this summer. They’d rather lock him into a new contract with a release clause. His current deal runs through 2028. The Athletic says United is weighing a move, but it would take at least £80 million just to get Bournemouth to listen. That’s a lot for a player who might end up staying put anyway.
Then there’s Felix Nmecha at Borussia Dortmund. Sporting director Jason Wilcox and recruitment director Christopher Vivell both know the 25-year-old Germany international well from previous roles. But Dortmund’s asking price is around €120 million (roughly £103 million). That’s a non-starter for now. United is not advancing a deal, sources say.
Other names on the list
Lower-profile targets include Fulham’s Sande Berge, who’s having a strong World Cup with Norway, and Tyler Adams — Alex Scott’s teammate at Bournemouth. Neither would be a headline signing, but they fit the profile of young, versatile midfielders the club has been tracking.
For now, Tchouaméni remains the big one. If Madrid decides to sell, United will be there. If not, it’s back to the drawing board — or the negotiating table with Bournemouth.
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