Manchester United could turn to Alex Scott as their next transfer target after missing out on Mateus Fernandes.
After weeks of talks, Manchester United have missed out on Mateus Fernandes with Tottenham striking a £85m deal with West Ham.
Now, United are forced to pursue alternative targets and reports suggest there is interest in Alex Scott of Bournemouth.
Scott is stalling on contract talks with Bournemouth while transfer rumours swirl. Looking back at Alex Scott’s matches against United in 2025/26, it’s clear that he can compete at the highest level.
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Alex Scott starred for Bournemouth vs Man United
The two matches between United and Bournemouth in the Premier League last season ended in draws, with an aggregate score of 6-6.
United and Bournemouth drew 4-4 in December 2025 and Scott came on as a substitute after just five minutes because of an injury to United-linked Tyler Adams.
| Alex Scott stats | 4-4 draw vs Man Utd (Dec’ 25) | 2-2 draw vs Man Utd (Mar’ 26) |
| Minutes played | 85 | 90 |
| Touches | 39 | 82 |
| Pass completion | 73% (19/26) | 90% (62/69) |
| Key passes | 0 | 2 |
| Shots | 2 | 2 |
| Defensive contributions | 5 | 5 |
| Duels won | 5/7 (71%) | 4/4 (100%) |
Scott had a big impact in both matches against United last season, especially from a defensive perspective.
At Old Trafford, Scott dominated his duels with a 71% completion rate. At the Vitality Stadium, he won 100% of his duels in midfield.
United need an elite duel-winner and runner to partner Kobbie Mainoo in midfield and Scott ticks the right boxes.
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Man United must not overpay for Alex Scott
The reason United walked away from both Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes is that their price tags were too high.
But a precedent has now been set in the transfer market, and Bournemouth will not part ways with Scott for a cheap fee after watching both of those deals.
READ MORE: 10 Mateus Fernandes alternatives for Man Utd after Spurs agree £85m transfer
Scott is a good fit for what United need, but Ineos have cornered themselves into sticking to their principles and not overpaying.
Ineos want Premier League-proven stars, just like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo last summer, but elite midfielders do not come cheap.
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