Manchester United started the 2026 summer transfer window much later than expected and has not yet announced the first new player. After two consecutive summers prioritizing strengthening the defense and attack, the focus of the Old Trafford home team is now shifting to midfield.
In the context that Casemiro has left, and the future of some other midfielders is still not guaranteed, strengthening the midfield has become one of the top priorities of the club. More importantly, Man United needs contracts capable of raising the main squad level instead of just increasing depth.
However, Michael Carrick's team continuously encountered obstacles in the transfer market. Manchester City won the race to recruit Elliot Anderson, and Tottenham also took the lead in the Mateus Fernandes deal and are likely to win Sandro Tonali too. However, the market still has many quality midfielders who can bring significant upgrades.
Aurelien Tchouameni
Success in the deal to recruit Casemiro from Real Madrid before may make Man United confidently return to Bernabeu to pursue another world-class midfielder, Tchouameni.
At the end of last season, Tchouameni was said to have had a conflict with Federico Valverde on the training ground. Although both affirmed that the matter had been resolved, many sources said that the backstage conflicts had not completely ended, thereby raising the possibility that he might leave Real Madrid.
In addition, the Royal Spanish team is also said to be planning to recruit another midfielder at the request of coach Jose Mourinho. Names like Enzo Fernandez or Vitinha are all on the watch list. If it is necessary to balance finances to make a blockbuster deal, Tchouameni could completely become a name put on the transfer market.
Alex Scott
Man United also especially prioritizes players who have proven their ability in the Premier League and Alex Scott perfectly meets that criterion.
The 22-year-old midfielder has just experienced an explosive season in Bournemouth's colors and is considered capable of being included in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the England national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Scott's failure to be called up may inadvertently bring an advantage to Man United. He will enter the pre-season stage with a solid physical foundation and ready to make an immediate impact.
Bournemouth is not under much pressure to sell one of their most important stars. In the context that many Premier League clubs are also pursuing Scott, Man United may have to offer a price of around 60 million pounds to be able to convince the Vitality Stadium team to sit down at the negotiating table.
Scott is an energetic midfielder, possessing good technique and especially dangerous when having the ball at his feet. He stands out in his ability to advance the ball, escape pressing in narrow spaces and connect between defense and attack.
Man United's dream midfield
If they successfully recruit Tchouameni and Alex Scott, and complete the Ederson deal from Atalanta for a fee estimated at £35 million plus £3.8 million in extra fees, Man United will own a midfield full of strength, technique and energy.
Tchouameni will play the role of anchor in front of the defense, Scott brings the ability to pull the ball and create breakthroughs from the second line, while Ederson connects between defense and attack thanks to his endurance, ball distribution ability and intelligent movements. This trio is expected to create a balanced midfield, capable of competing with the strongest opponents in Europe.
Up front, Bruno Fernandes continues to play the role of conductor, while Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte create quality depth for the midfield.
