**SCOTT SAYS NO TO BOURNEMOUTH — UNITED IN THE HUNT**

Right, Reds, here’s the kind of story that should get the pulse racing after another frustrating transfer saga. Alex Scott has turned down a new Bournemouth contract despite multiple offers from the Cherries, and United are firmly in the mix alongside Arsenal and Chelsea.

The 22-year-old England midfielder had an impressive campaign on the south coast, and helped Bournemouth achieve a club-record sixth-place finish. He even scored the match-winner against Arsenal at the Emirates in April — so we’re talking about a lad who can deliver on the big stage. Scott ranks very highly in defensive metrics among Premier League midfielders but he’s not just a defensive option, which is exactly what Michael Carrick needs as he reshapes this squad for Champions League football.

Now, before we all start getting giddy — Bournemouth have already knocked back inquiries from the Premier League trio and expect Scott to remain their player next season. Reports suggest Bournemouth value Scott at around £80 million, which is eye-watering but that’s the market we’re dealing with after INEOS dithered all summer. United have been linked with Scott throughout 2026, and after missing out on Mateus Fernandes and talks for Ederson breaking down, they might try their luck with the Englishman.

Here’s the reality: Carrick needs proper midfield reinforcements. Casemiro can’t be relied upon week-in, week-out anymore, and we’re back in the Champions League where depth is everything. Scott rejecting that contract is a signal — he knows he’s ready for the next step, and we should be all over this. Whether INEOS have the bottle to get it done is another question entirely. After the chaos they’ve presided over, the fanbase deserves decisive action, not another summer of briefings and near-misses.

Let’s hope Carrick and Wilcox can work their magic, because this one feels like exactly the profile we need.

✍️ This summary was written by the MUFC Fanatics SA team based on reporting from Sky Sports.

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