Man United's family connection could give them edge in Alex Scott transfer race

Manchester United could lean on a unique family tie as they weigh a summer move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the 22-year-old’s step-sister Maya Le Tissier already captaining the club’s women’s team at Old Trafford.

Scott has been linked with a move to United as manager Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his midfield options, though Chelsea are also said to be monitoring the situation. The competition for his signature means United may need every edge available — and a close family member already embedded at the club could prove a meaningful one.

Scott is currently in North America with England’s World Cup party, though he is not part of Thomas Tuchel’s official tournament squad. He is one of five additional players brought along to support pre-tournament preparations, and was an unused substitute in England’s 1-0 win over New Zealand in Tampa. He could still feature in the final warm-up fixture against Costa Rica.

Speaking after his call-up, Scott acknowledged the role Le Tissier has played in his development. “We’ve grown up together, playing football together in the same teams back home, local football,” he said. “We’re very close. We speak most days. She has told me to just enjoy it and be yourself and show what you can do.”

He added: “It’s nice to have someone around who’s experienced it and been around the Lionesses and England in general — she can help me out with advice on playing at the top level and top pressured situation.”

Le Tissier joined United from Brighton in the summer of 2022 and quickly established herself as one of the Women’s Super League’s standout defenders, earning a place in the PFA WSL Team of the Year in her debut season. She was voted United’s Women’s Player of the Season in 2024 and has since taken on the captaincy at Old Trafford.

Whether that personal connection translates into a transfer advantage remains to be seen, but with Chelsea also in the frame, United’s recruitment team may find it a useful conversation-starter if formal talks with Scott’s representatives get under way this summer.