Manchester United are giving serious attention to Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as the race for Mateus Fernandes becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
CaughtOffside reports that United and Arsenal have made initial enquiries for the 22-year-old, with Bournemouth expected to value him at around £60million.
The same update claims Tottenham’s push for Fernandes has forced United to sharpen their alternative list rather than wait passively.
Scott Gives United A Cleaner Escape Route
Scott is not a like-for-like Fernandes clone, but that is part of the appeal.
He is Premier League-tested, press-resistant and flexible enough to operate as an advanced eight or a connector from deeper zones. That gives Michael Carrick a different midfield route without abandoning the wider rebuild.
United have already had to recalibrate after missing out on Elliot Anderson. Read Man Utd covered how Manchester City’s agreement for Anderson left United needing a midfield pivot.
Fernandes’ price and wage race now risks drifting into territory where Tottenham can create genuine damage. Scott gives United a younger, technically secure alternative before the market becomes more reactive.
The danger is obvious: Bournemouth have little reason to sell cheaply. A £60million valuation would still require serious conviction.
But if United believe Fernandes is becoming an auction rather than a negotiation, Scott is the kind of pivot that keeps control of the summer plan.
