Manchester United close in on £168m midfield rebuild as Carrick targets Alex Scott

Manchester United are assembling a heavily overhauled midfield this summer, with head coach Michael Carrick closing in on a third signing as the club’s total outlay approaches £168m. Atalanta and Brazil international Ederson is expected to complete a £38.8m move to Old Trafford imminently, joining compatriot Andrey Santos, who arrived from Chelsea in a £50m deal.

The two Brazilian arrivals address a midfield gap that became critical following Casemiro’s departure, a problem compounded by Manuel Ugarte’s recent injury. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is also set to join on a free transfer from Leeds United, giving Carrick three new faces in quick succession.

Despite the activity, a sense of anticipation persists among supporters who are still waiting for a signing of genuine star quality. United were linked with Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali earlier in the window, but missed out on all three as rival Premier League clubs moved faster in an inflated market.

With Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount the only established central midfield options beyond the two new arrivals, the club’s hierarchy is now focused on securing a fourth addition. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has emerged as the primary target, with the 22-year-old widely regarded as the marquee signing United’s rebuild still requires.

The dynamic box-to-box midfielder made 37 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth last season, drawing attention from several top-flight clubs with his ball retention and ability to win duels. Bournemouth are reluctant to sell and are pursuing a contract extension, but United are prepared to meet the £80m valuation the south-coast club have placed on him.

United’s pursuit of Scott underlines the urgency Carrick’s side faces heading into the new season. Having already been priced out of multiple targets, the club will be keen to avoid a repeat and move decisively to land the player they believe can elevate the midfield to a genuinely title-contending level.