Manchester United to move for star at cut price - following his ACL setback: report

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick applauds the fans during the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on May 17, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom — Michael Carrick is still in the market for new signings (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United are to pivot, with another lower-price central midfielder in mind for Michael Carrick's rebuild.

The Red Devils have been priced out of several big moves this summer, with the likes of Youri Tielemans preferred to Matheus Fernandes, as Carrick looked to strengthen ahead of the club's return to the Premier League.

With more depth still needed, Manchester United are now targeting Giorgio Scalvini, according to The Telegraph.

Manchester United to pivot to alternate targets (again)

Youri Tielemans of Manchester United poses after signing for the club at Carrington Training Ground on July 14, 2026 in Manchester, England. — Youri Tielemans has strengthened the Red Devils in midfield (Image credit: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)

United are trying to keep costs down this summer: players like Eduardo Camavinga have been linked with moves, but United have brought in Tielemans and Andrey Santos, both for less than £50 million.

Now, Atalanta star Scalvini is said to be on the radar for around £32m – due, in part, to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Eduardo Camavinga player of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and Real Madrid CF at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on October 19, 2025 in Getafe, Spain. — United have been linked with Eduardo Camavinga (Image credit: Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

The Italian was valued at around €60m at the start of 2024, with the likes of Chelsea and Inter Milan competing with United for the star – but following an ACL injury that kept him out of Euro 2024, Scalvini's value has dropped hugely.

The Express relays that the 22-year-old is now worth £32m, which could represent a huge steal, given that he was one of the great hopes of Italian football just a few short years ago.

Interestingly, Scalvini could well be an option across the defence – but also in midfield.

The Italian can play as a midfielder, with his tall frame and ability to get around the pitch likening him to Declan Rice as a midfield presence, suggesting he could well develop into a more defensive-minded presence alongside Tielemans or Kobbie Mainoo.

Scalvini played just eight times in the season following his injury, but racked up 30 games in all competitions last term, as he returned to his best.

Giorgio Scalvini is on United's radar (Image credit: Getty Images)

With United eyeing what could be an expensive move for Newcastle United's Lewis Hall, cheaper signings elsewhere could fund a bigger rebuild.

Another forward could well be targeted, along with a right-back.

Scalvini is valued at €38m by Transfermarkt. United face Hull City on the opening day of the Premier League season.

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Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.