Michael Carrick clapping fans on left with Mateus Fernandes on right sat on ball looking sad

Man United manager Michael Carrick with West Ham's Mateus FernandesImago

Sources: Man United's three-man midfield shortlist revealed after Mateus Fernandes agrees Tottenham move

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

06 Jul 2026, 11:15 am

Man United are keen to sign one of Alex Scott, Aurelien Tchouameni or Felix Nmecha after missing out on Mateus Fernandes, sources have told Football Insider.

Michael Carrick has identified midfield as a priority area to address in his squad during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have seen Casemiro move on at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte is facing an extended spell on the sidelines with ligament damage suffered at the World Cup.

Bournemouth star Scott is one of their top targets after a stellar campaign saw him come close to earning a spot in England's World Cup squad.

United are not only prioritising Scott's signature, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, with Tchouameni and Nmecha also still on their radar as it stands.

They had been after West Ham star Fernandes, but he sealed a move to Tottenham last week instead.

Both players have been at the World Cup with their respective nations, but Nmecha has already departed after Germany were knocked out by Paraguay last week.

Man United's three-man midfield shortlist revealed amid Alex Scott interest

Sources have told Football Insider that United are planning to accelerate a move for Scott as Bournemouth plan to tie him down to a new contract.

Nmecha impressed for Borussia Dortmund last season, while Tchouameni remains a regular for Real Madrid but could look to leave this summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There's no doubts that United are interested in Scott, but he's probably one of a number that's on that list.

"You've got the likes of Felix Nmecha and Tchouameni both on that list too, but yeah, United will be disappointed to have missed out on the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson."

Sources: Man United plan to accelerate Alex Scott swoop after two deals confirmed

Man United work on signing 'two midfielders' as extent of Manuel Ugarte injury revealed

Could United make a move for two midfielders this summer?

Ugarte's injury has plunged Carrick's plans into uncertainty this summer as he prepares for a lengthy layoff.

The Uruguay star was expected to leave Old Trafford ahead of next season, but now potentially faces nine months on the sidelines.

As a result of his setback, sources have told Football Insider that United could sign two midfielders to bolster Carrick's options, rather than only snapping up a direct Casemiro replacement.

Scott may not be the only midfield star arriving at Old Trafford soon, with a separate move for Nmecha or Tchouameni also possibly on the cards.

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club