Manchester United’s summer midfield rebuild is turning into a headache. INEOS has already struck out on three primary targets. Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes all slipped away, mostly because the club wasn’t willing to meet asking prices. Now the focus has shifted to Bournemouth’s midfield, but that path comes with its own complications.
Alex Scott was the next name on the list. But Bournemouth made it clear they won’t let him go cheap. So United’s scouts started looking at the other American in the room.
Tyler Adams Is the Alternative
Tyler Adams isn’t the kind of player who fills highlight reels. He’s the guy who covers ground, reads passing lanes, and makes the team function. Some of United’s analysts actually believe Adams beats Rodri in certain defensive metrics. That might sound like a stretch, but the data backs up his off-ball work rate and positioning.
According to the BBC, Bournemouth is open to selling the 27-year-old if offers come in around $50-62 million (the British pound equivalent of $40-50 million). His contract runs through 2028, same as Scott’s. But here’s the difference: Bournemouth might actually deal Adams at that price. They’re less inclined to move Scott for anything reasonable.
Adams dealt with injuries last season. Knee problems. Hamstring issues. Before the 2024-25 campaign, he needed back surgery. But when he was on the field, Andoni Iraola leaned on him heavily. And at the World Cup, Adams played every minute for the USA except a meaningless loss to Turkey.
The Price Could Be a Problem
INEOS might try to negotiate that fee down. Whether Bournemouth bites is another question. If the price holds, United could pivot to cheaper options. Sander Berge is still on the radar as a lower-cost fallback. Andrey Santos has also been linked, though nothing is close yet.
Beyond the Premier League, United is looking at Aurelien Tchouameni, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Johan Manzambi. Michael Carrick is pushing hard for new arrivals before the window closes. The midfield room is thin, and the season is approaching fast.
Right now, none of those deals look imminent. Adams might be the most realistic get, but only if United decides the price is worth paying for a guy who does the dirty work without the spotlight. That’s the question that’ll decide the next few weeks.
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