Man Utd's midfield crisis deepens: Chelsea's Santos joins Scott on radar after missing Anderson, Fernandes

Manchester United’s search for midfield reinforcements has taken another twist, with Chelsea’s Andrey Santos emerging as a potential target as the club scrambles to fix a mounting problem in the engine room. The situation at Old Trafford has grown increasingly urgent. Casemiro’s contract expired on June 30, and Manuel Ugarte – expected to be sold this summer – suffered what he called “the most serious injury a footballer can face” while on World Cup duty for Uruguay against Spain. The cruciate ligament damage is expected to sideline Ugarte for the rest of 2026, ruling out any transfer and leaving the Red Devils desperately short. Manager Michael Carrick will have only Kobbie Mainoo as a recognised senior central midfielder when pre-season testing begins on July 9, unless the situation changes. Mason Mount is viewed as more of an attacking option. The rest of the midfield ranks – Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, and the Fletcher twins – are either inexperienced or set for loans. United’s early summer plans have unravelled quickly. On June 25, Manchester City smashed the British transfer record with a £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, United’s primary target. Then, on July 2, Tottenham outbid them for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, paying an £85 million club record fee. United had pushed hard for the Portuguese but were unwilling to enter a bidding war they felt they could not win. A £35 million agreement with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson is in place, but his late call-up to the Brazil squad means the medical will not happen until after the World Cup. Even then, Ederson will get three weeks off, so his arrival won’t solve the immediate crisis. With friendlies against Wrexham (July 18) and Rosenborg (July 24) on the horizon, Carrick’s younger players have a chance to impress. But he will expect a more permanent solution before the high-profile clashes begin, starting with Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on August 1. Enter Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The 22-year-old is understood to be the current main target, but Arsenal are also keen, and Bournemouth have made it clear Scott – who has two years left on his contract – is not for sale. They want to tie him down to a long-term deal instead. Chelsea’s Santos has now been added to the list. The Brazilian midfielder spent last season on loan at Strasbourg and could be available, though any deal would require negotiation with the Blues. Tyler Adams, also of Bournemouth, is another option – a low-key but effective midfielder who battled knee and hamstring issues last season. United’s midfield rebuild has hit serious roadblocks. With the start of the season approaching fast, the pressure is on to find a solution – and quickly.