Manchester United Continue Work on Alex Scott Despite Completing Carlos Baleba Deal.
Manchester United may have completed one of the biggest midfield deals of their summer rebuild by signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion, but the club’s transfer plans are reportedly far from finished. The Red Devils are now being linked with another ambitious move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, raising the possibility that Michael Carrick’s side could make further changes to an already significantly strengthened midfield before the transfer window closes.
United officially completed the signing of Baleba on August 25, bringing the Cameroon international to Old Trafford on a contract running until 2031, with an option for a further year. Reports put the initial fee at around £60 million, with additional payments potentially taking the overall package towards £70 million. His arrival represented a major statement from the club after months of interest and makes him the latest piece of an extensive midfield rebuild.
However, the completion of Baleba’s transfer does not necessarily mean United have abandoned their interest in other midfielders. Alex Scott has been on the club’s radar for much of the summer, and reports have previously indicated that United view the Bournemouth star as a player capable of adding technical quality, energy and versatility to the centre of the pitch.
Scott’s situation is particularly interesting because Manchester United’s interest in him has developed alongside their pursuit of Baleba rather than necessarily being a direct alternative. Earlier reports suggested United had considered both players as part of their midfield plans, with Scott becoming one of several options under consideration as the club assessed how best to rebuild the position.
The arrival of Baleba could therefore change the way United approach Scott. Rather than viewing the Bournemouth midfielder as a replacement for Baleba, the club could potentially see the two players as complementary additions who would give Carrick considerably more options in the middle of the pitch.
That possibility would represent an extremely ambitious approach from Manchester United.
Baleba brings a powerful physical presence, defensive aggression and the ability to cover large areas of the pitch. His qualities make him particularly suited to the demanding defensive midfield role United have been trying to strengthen. Scott, meanwhile, offers a different profile. The Bournemouth midfielder is technically accomplished, energetic and capable of contributing both defensively and in possession.
Adding both players would give Carrick a midfield capable of changing its character depending on the opponent.
United have already invested heavily in the department this summer. Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans joined from Aston Villa, and Baleba has now completed the move from Brighton. The combined spending has transformed an area of the squad that was considered one of the club’s biggest weaknesses.
Yet United’s interest in Scott suggests that the club may not believe the midfield rebuild is completely finished.
There is an argument that makes the pursuit understandable. Manchester United are expected to compete across several competitions, including the Premier League and Champions League, meaning Carrick will require enough depth to rotate his midfield without dramatically reducing the quality of the team.
Injuries can also change the picture quickly. United have already had concerns surrounding Manuel Ugarte, while the club’s midfield has undergone substantial changes following Casemiro’s departure. Bringing in another young, Premier League-proven midfielder could therefore provide Carrick with additional security over a long season.
Scott’s versatility is another reason why United could remain interested.
The Bournemouth midfielder is capable of operating in different midfield roles and has the technical ability to participate in possession-based football. For a Manchester United side trying to establish a more controlled style under Carrick, having players who can receive the ball under pressure, carry possession forward and contribute to pressing could be extremely valuable.
The interest also comes at a time when Scott’s future at Bournemouth has attracted significant attention. Reports have suggested that the midfielder rejected a new contract, increasing speculation that he could be open to a move away from the Vitality Stadium. Manchester United are not alone in monitoring the situation, however, with Chelsea and Arsenal among the clubs previously linked with the player.
That competition could make a potential deal extremely difficult.
Bournemouth are under no obvious pressure to sell one of their most important players, particularly if multiple Premier League clubs are interested. Reports earlier in the summer suggested that Chelsea had already made a substantial offer for Scott and were considering increasing it, while other clubs were also believed to be monitoring his situation.
Manchester United would therefore have to decide whether Scott is worth making another major financial commitment after already spending heavily on their midfield.
The club’s willingness to do so would depend heavily on Carrick’s tactical plans.
If the manager believes Baleba can become the team’s primary defensive midfielder, Scott could potentially be used further forward. His ability to carry the ball and contribute to attacking phases could allow him to operate alongside Baleba while Bruno Fernandes continues to play in a more advanced role.
Such a midfield could potentially provide United with a combination of physicality, technical quality and creativity.
Baleba could focus on protecting the defence and winning possession, Scott could provide energy and progression, while Fernandes would have greater freedom to influence the final third. Behind them, United would also have players such as Tielemans and Santos competing for opportunities.
That kind of competition could dramatically improve the squad.
One of United’s biggest problems in recent seasons has been the lack of reliable depth. When important midfielders have been unavailable or out of form, the quality of the team’s performances has often dropped. A deeper midfield would give Carrick more tactical flexibility and allow him to respond to different opponents.
Scott would also fit the club’s apparent preference for younger players with significant room for development.
At his age, he would not simply be a short-term solution. United would be investing in a player who could potentially remain part of the midfield for many years. The same logic was applied to Baleba, whose age and potential made him attractive despite the considerable financial investment required to sign him.
However, United must be careful not to confuse squad building with simply collecting talented midfielders.
The arrival of Baleba already gives Carrick another major option. If Scott were also signed, the manager would have to establish clear roles for every midfielder and ensure that the squad remains balanced. Too many similar players could create selection problems, particularly if the club still has weaknesses in other positions.
This is why the final weeks of the transfer window could be crucial.
Manchester United’s recruitment team must determine whether Scott represents a genuine opportunity that cannot be ignored or whether the club should redirect its resources towards other areas. Reports have indicated that United are still considering strengthening other positions, particularly at left-back, meaning every major transfer decision must be weighed against the club’s wider squad requirements.
Nevertheless, the fact that Scott continues to be discussed after Baleba’s arrival would be significant if the reports prove accurate.
It would suggest that United’s ambition is not simply to make one major midfield signing and hope that he solves all of their problems. Instead, the club could be attempting to build an entirely new midfield structure capable of competing with the strongest teams in England and Europe.
Baleba’s arrival has already changed the perception of United’s midfield. His signing followed the additions of Tielemans and Santos, giving Carrick several new options. If Scott were also brought in, the transformation would be even more dramatic.
The challenge, however, would be financial.
A player of Scott’s quality and profile is unlikely to come cheaply. Previous reports have indicated that Bournemouth could demand a significant fee, with Chelsea’s interest reportedly involving offers in the region of £64 million and a potential subsequent bid around £70 million.
United would therefore have to make another substantial investment shortly after completing the Baleba deal.
For supporters, that would undoubtedly be exciting, but the club’s hierarchy would need to ensure that the spending is sustainable and strategically justified.
There is also the question of whether Scott would choose Manchester United if several other major clubs remain interested. His reported openness to United would be encouraging for Carrick and the recruitment team, but interest from clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal could create a serious bidding competition.
Manchester United would have to sell the player on a clear sporting project.
Carrick’s presence could be important in that regard. If Scott believes he will have an important role in the manager’s tactical system, the prospect of joining United could become increasingly attractive. The club’s long-term ambition, Champions League football and the opportunity to play at Old Trafford would also be powerful incentives.
For now, the most important point is that Baleba’s arrival does not automatically close the door on Scott.
United have completed the Baleba transfer, but their wider midfield strategy could still evolve. The club may believe that one more addition would give Carrick the depth and flexibility required to compete throughout the season.
If Manchester United were somehow able to complete a deal for Scott as well, it would represent one of the most aggressive midfield rebuilds the club has undertaken in recent years.
Baleba would provide the power.
Scott would provide energy and technical ability.
Tielemans would offer creativity and experience.
Santos would provide another young option with enormous potential.
And Fernandes would remain the primary creative force further forward.
On paper, that would give Carrick an impressive collection of midfield profiles.
The real test, however, would come on the pitch.
Manchester United supporters have heard ambitious transfer plans before, and ultimately the success of the rebuild will not be judged by the number of expensive players arriving at Old Trafford. It will be judged by performances, consistency, results and trophies.
Baleba’s arrival is already a major step in the club’s attempt to build a stronger midfield. If United now follow that move by continuing their work on Alex Scott, it would send an even bigger message that the club is determined to build a squad capable of challenging at the highest level.
For now, Scott remains a complicated target, with competition and Bournemouth’s valuation likely to be major obstacles. But with United having already completed the Baleba deal, the possibility of another midfield move will undoubtedly keep supporters watching closely until the transfer window finally closes.
The message from Old Trafford appears clear: Manchester United are not interested in making a single change and hoping for the best. They are attempting to rebuild the foundations of the team.
And if Alex Scott becomes the next major target after Carlos Baleba, Carrick’s midfield could soon look almost completely different from the one he inherited.