Manchester United are reassessing their position in the transfer market after missing out on several top targets, including Matheus Fernandes and Elliott Anderson.
Michael Carrick wants to strengthen his Manchester United squad this summer (Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
Manchester United have made an unexpectedly slow start to the summer transfer window and are yet to announce their first signing. The past two seasons have focused on strengthening defense and attack, but now the focus is on midfield.
With Casemiro gone and uncertainty surrounding the future of several other midfielders, strengthening the center of the park has become one of the club’s biggest priorities. Not only that, but United need a midfielder who can truly improve their starting XI, rather than just adding depth to the squad.
There have already been setbacks. Manchester City have won the race to sign Elliott Anderson, while Tottenham are expected to beat United to Matthaus Fernandes for Sandro Tonali. That said, there are still plenty of top quality midfielders who can significantly strengthen the team.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how Michael Carrick’s ideal Manchester United midfield would shape up for the start of the new season.
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Aurelien Choameni
United could revisit the Bernabéu in search of another elite midfielder after successfully signing Casemiro from Real Madrid. Normally signing Aurelien Choameny would seem completely out of reach, but a number of circumstances could give United reason for optimism.
Toward the end of last season, Choameni reportedly clashed with teammate Fede Valverde on the training ground. Both players have insisted there are no remaining issues, but reports continue to suggest that behind-the-scenes tensions may not have completely dissipated, making a move more likely.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are said to be planning a major new midfield signing, with new manager Jose Mourinho reportedly interested in players such as Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandes and PSG midfielder Vicinha. Choameni could be one of the most valuable players to sell if the Spanish club needs to finance a big-money contract.
Aurélien Choameny is rumored to be on the move from Real Madrid (Image: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Securing his signature will almost certainly require a significant investment from United, with the transfer fee expected to be close to £100m. Still, paying that amount for a midfielder who is at the peak of his career with proven world-class ability and the quality to influence games on both ends of the field would be excellent value.
alex scott
United are focused on signing players with Premier League experience and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott fits perfectly into that approach. The 22-year-old impressed during an excellent season at the Vitality Stadium and many believed he deserved to be selected in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Missing out on international selection could ultimately benefit United. Unlike Choameny, who returns after a busy summer of tournaments, Scott starts the preseason refreshed and ready to make an immediate impact.
Bournemouth have little incentive to let one of their key players go, and with several Premier League clubs also monitoring him, United will likely need to offer around £60m before the Cherries would consider a sale.
Alex Scott is enjoying a breakthrough season at Bournemouth (Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Scott is a dynamic and technically gifted midfielder who is at his best in possession. He is particularly effective at moving forward with the ball, avoiding pressure in crowded areas and linking defense and attack. Off the ball, his tireless work and intelligent pressing add even more value to his game.
middle of dream
Alongside Choameni and Brazilian midfielder Ederson, with whom United reportedly agreed a deal worth £35 million plus £3.8 million in add-ons last month, the Scot completes a midfield full of athleticism, technical ability and energy.
Choameni provided the defensive foundation and Scott injected drive and progressive ball-carry into the middle, while Ederson seamlessly linked defense and attack with his work rate, forward distribution and clever movement, giving Carrick a balanced midfield to rival Europe’s strongest sides.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes will continue to dictate play, while Koby Mainu, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte will provide excellent competitiveness and depth. If these options are available, United would be well placed to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title, building on their impressive end to the 2025/26 season.
