For Manchester United, signing a "number six" to replace the departingCasemiro is the absolute priority, with Anderson topping their list. The Red Devils currently sit third in the Premier League table, and despite the lure of Manchester City, United officials remain hopeful they can win the race, citing their success in landing Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko last summer without Champions League football. While the club's brand remains a massive draw, securing a top-four spot is still seen as a crucial financial hurdle for such high-profile moves. Furthermore, the final decision will depend on the permanent managerial appointment, as the hierarchy weighs up Michael Carrick’s impressive interim run against the potential for an "elite" level hire.