Man Utd are in talks to sign their new Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo, even after the difficult year of 2025, is still fulfilling the dream of every Manchester United fan, enjoying a series of outstanding moments already in his blossoming career.

The 21-year-old has scored just eight goals since breaking into the first team two years ago, although almost all of those have been memorable, classy efforts, some of the most celebrated performances in United’s recent history.

There were two goals at Old Trafford against Liverpool, a late winner at Molineux and a late equalizer against Lyon, the last of those scenes of great joy among the home crowd.

Yes, Mainoo’s most notable act is still there that FA Cup final winner in 2024, a goal that cemented his place as the club’s new golden boy from the academy ranks.

He is more than just a promising talent now, however, he is determined to be up front and take center stage under new manager Michael Carrick, with the only question posed being who he will partner with going forward.

Man Utd hold fresh talks to sign Fernandes’ £80m alternative

The name on everyone’s lips is that of West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, with the Portugal international hot on the heels of Tottenham Hotspur joining the race.

That rival interest from the Lilywhites complicates matters, although the biggest stumbling block facing INEOS at the moment is the 21-year-old’s price tag, which is believed to be around £80m.

According to United insiders, Fernandes is said to be United’s “priority” as things stand, and negotiations are still ongoing as they seek to end the deal with the relegated Hammers.

That same report also revealed that the former Southampton star is not the only player being considered, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott also on the agenda.

The Red Devils are said to have held ‘new talks’ in the past few days and weeks regarding a possible move for the Englishman, although they had Scott’s agent instead of the Cherries.

Previous reports have suggested that the 22-year-old could fetch a similar fee from Fernandes of around £80m, although he is yet to sign a new deal on the south coast.

Why Scott could be another Mainoo at Man Utd

The beauty of Mainoo is that, although he is not the most exciting midfielder statistically, the Stockport native is a joy to watch at his best.

He may have scored just three goals in 2025/26, while creating just one ‘big chance’ in the Premier League, however that does not tell the full story.

Who can forget his delicious nutmeg on Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez at the Etihad, or sending Antoine Semenyo off for a dummy in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford?

Then there was that amazing, solo run against Brentford late in the season, Mainoo running into the penalty area, only to be denied an assist following Amad’s foul finish.

Poised and affable, the kind of player who can tell what’s going on in front of the back four, he was instrumental in his return to the starting XI following Carrick’s appointment in January.

To steal Vicente Del Bosque’s credit about a certain Sergio Busquets, when you watch a game, you don’t see Mainoo, but when you watch Mainoo, you see the whole game.

That’s true of Scott too, a former Bristol City star who isn’t exactly a player off the page statistically, as he finished 2025/26 with just four goals and helped himself to the top flight.

Like Mainoo, a player who plays deep and averaged 0.8 key passes per game, and created just four ‘big chances’, it is rare for a man to give that killer, cutting pass in the final third.

And yet, the Guernsey-born talent is one who can run a show in the middle of the park, comfortable and willing to hold his own in any area of ​​the pitch.

Against United in March, for example, in that 2-2 draw, Scott excelled against Mainoo and Casemiro, had 82 touches, won 100% of duels and tackles, boasting a 90% passing rate and two key assists.

The in-demand gem also stole the show in Bournemouth’s win over Arsenal at the Emirates, leaping from the penalty area to sweep home a delightful late on.

It’s usually the Cherries’ attacking talents, namely Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi, who make the headlines, but Scott is just as important to that midfield unit, as Mainoo back in Manchester.

According to Scout Lab as well, both he and Mainoo are also ranked in the top 15% of midfielders in Europe’s top five clubs for advanced play, further evidence of their collective ability to drive their teams forward from deep.

According to the same site, Scott is ranked ninth in the list of the most similar players to Mainoo in Europe’s top seven leagues, suggesting why he may not fit in well at Old Trafford.

Fernandes may be a hot topic as things stand, but don’t count against Scott appearing as a concrete target himself at INEOS in the coming weeks.