Where do Man Utd turn now? Ranking the midfield options after transfer blows
Following missed moves for key targets, Manchester United are scouting the market for alternative midfield solutions. Here are the players still in the frame.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / Author: LHC88
With moves for Elliot Anderson, Matheus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali now off the table, Manchester United are forced to pivot as they search for necessary midfield reinforcement. The club's recruitment team is assessing several remaining targets, each presenting a different profile and financial commitment.
Andrey Santos of Chelsea has emerged as a player on the club's radar. While reactions among the fanbase have been mixed, the 22-year-old is considered a highly obtainable target, with Chelsea reportedly open to a sale. He remains a prominent option for United as they look to add depth to their engine room.
The club also maintains interest in Alex Scott of Bournemouth. The 22-year-old played a key role in his team's European qualification, but a reported £70m price tag makes the decision difficult for United's hierarchy. Similarly, Carlos Baleba is viewed as a high-potential talent by leadership figures, though Brighton's refusal to lower their £100m valuation currently makes a deal unlikely.
Other names under consideration include Sander Berge as a lower-cost option and Felix Nmecha, though concerns over consistency remain. Meanwhile, hopes of landing Aurelien Tchouameni appear to have faded, as the midfielder is now seen as a centerpiece of Jose Mourinho's plans at Real Madrid.