It may only be Wednesday, but it’s been another great week for Manchester United fans.
Ahead of Monday’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim targeted two of the club’s academy players, Harry Amas and Chido Obi.
No one knows why he did it, but it’s certainly not the way to get players or supporters to support him. There’s never a dull moment at Old Trafford these days.
That 4-4 draw was all pretty stupid. From a positive perspective, United’s front line looked as good as it has in recent years. However, when it comes to defense, it’s a different story. It’s a mess.
Perhaps signing one or two midfielders in January could help smooth things over.
Manchester United target multiple Premier League midfielders
Reports in recent months have suggested that two of INEOS’s main targets for 2026 are Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson.
But United Airlines will likely have to pay a premium for the service, and alternatives are being explored.
One potential replacement is reportedly Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams. Adams was named to the starting lineup by coach Andoni Iraola on Monday night, but his audition lasted only a few minutes before he limped off with an injury.
His replacement on the night was 22-year-old Alex Scott, said to be Man United’s latest target.
This comes via The Sun’s Samuel Luckhurst, who reported earlier in the week that Old Trafford bosses are currently considering a move for the Scot.
The paper says United are “monitoring” the player and could consider signing him if Koby Mainu leaves the club. For now, it is hoped that the Red Devils will only lose Maynou to a loan deal.
Why Scott could be another Manchester United minnow
Of course, all the talk in recent months has been about Anderson and Wharton. Old Trafford would be overjoyed if Amorim and co could bring one of England’s top midfielders to the club.
However, Scott is not a bad alternative. He was recently given his first call-up to the England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the November international break, which speaks volumes about his progress and potential. He has a real chance of playing in next summer’s World Cup.
why? Well, the young midfielder has been making waves since his time at Championship side Bristol City. In the 2022/23 season, he won the second-tier Young Player of the Year award.
He then moved to Bournemouth and quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young players. He made the transition between divisions “seamlessly”, as Como scout Ben Mattinson put it.
Although he has scored just three goals and provided four assists during his stay at the Vitality Stadium, the player oozes class and brings a lot of calm to the center of the park.
One United media personality, hailed by some as “Guernsey Grealish”, said during Monday’s game against Bournemouth that he “looks like Prime (Roy) Keane”.
When he fought his way through the game at Old Trafford, he was particularly strong in duels and always tried to come forward and play forward. That’s something United could certainly benefit from, especially if they replace the forward-looking Maynou.
Scott vs Manchester United | |
|---|---|
Play time (minutes) | 85 |
touch | 39 |
exact path | 19/26 (73%) |
shot | 2 |
dribbling success | 1/1 |
Contribution in defense | 5 |
Won a ground duel | 3/4 |
won an aerial battle | 2/3 |
Statistics by Sofascore. | |
A midfielder with a wide skill set, Scott ranks highly in several key metrics, particularly when it comes to advancing the ball.
According to FBRef data, his 2.01 progressive carries per 90 minutes puts him in the top 14% of Premier League midfielders, while his 1.01 successful take-ons also ranks him in the best 9%. He is also particularly adept at drawing fouls, ranking within the best 11% of positionally similar players in the top flight for this metric.
Scott is happy to do the dirty work, making 1.34 interceptions per 90, which puts him in the best 14% of any midfielder.
In other words, he is in a similar position as Mainu. They both have dynamic skill sets, and while they don’t score a lot of goals, their impact on the progression and break-up of play makes them valuable players.
As bad as the show: Manchester United star had his club’s worst game against Bournemouth
Manchester United were held to a frenetic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
