Fernandes had been seen as a clear target for Manchester United, with Old Trafford believed to be his preferred destination. However, talks over Fernandes reportedly progressed toward Tottenham, with the deal said to be priced at around £85 million and wages stated to be in the region of £250,000 per week. That development prompted Ineos to walk away from the arrangement, and United began exploring other options, including a potential deal for Alex Scott.
Scott has long been on United’s radar, even before the Fernandes situation developed, and he has now emerged as the next prominent name on the club’s shortlist. The discussion surrounding a move to United has been driven by reporting from industry insiders, with expectations that United will turn their attention toward Scott following the Fernandes setback.
Bournemouth are reportedly prepared to demand around £80 million for Scott this summer, a figure perhaps influenced by a recent high-profile transfer fee example in the market. Several clubs are said to be monitoring Scott, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea. Scott is currently in contract talks with Bournemouth, but it is believed that a United intervention could accelerate negotiations and potentially bring the price closer to £70 million.
Another angle for United’s recruitment strategy is the club’s broader plan to strengthen a British, homegrown core, a policy associated with the ownership group’s approach. This context has previously connected United with other young talents, and Scott is seen as aligning with that strategy.
Beyond Scott, United are also reportedly weighing other midfield options, including Aurelien Tchouameni, Carlos Baleba, and Sandro Tonali. Yet Scott remains a central figure on the shortlist as the club looks to replenish midfield options.
How does Alex Scott stack up against Mateus Fernandes? A comparison of their 2025/26 Premier League campaigns shows:
– Goals: Fernandes 3, Scott 3
– Expected assists: Fernandes 2.97, Scott 2.95
– Passing accuracy: Fernandes 87%, Scott 85%
– Long balls: Fernandes 62%, Scott 41%
– Chances created: Fernandes 37, Scott 27
– Successful dribbles: Fernandes 28 (58%), Scott 29 (56%)
– Aerial duels won: Fernandes 19 (49%), Scott 37 (54%)
– Duels won: Fernandes 199 (55%), Scott 185 (56%)
– Tackles: Fernandes 103, Scott 60
– Recoveries: Fernandes 182, Scott 195
– Interceptions: Fernandes 35, Scott 36
– Possession won in final third: Fernandes 17, Scott 13
These figures reflect that Scott operated for a stronger, higher-pressing team, which can influence defensive counts and positional duties. Fernandes appears slightly superior on ball retention and distribution, while Scott demonstrates greater presence in duels and recovery runs. The two players are not worlds apart in output, but Scott’s profile is often viewed as more of a Kobbie Mainoo-type alternative rather than a direct partner, potentially complicating midfield balance if paired with another player in a similar role. Some analysts speculate that a Baleba alongside a young, dynamic operator could better fit Manchester United’s desired midfield dynamic.
In summary, United’s shift from Fernandes to Scott indicates a strategic pivot to a homegrown, club-friendly midfield profile while still pursuing high-potential talent. The door remains open to additional targets, but Scott’s rise on the shortlist underscores the club’s emphasis on improving midfield options with a blend of technical ability and workrate.
