Manchester United’s anticipated midfield rebuild this summer is beginning to take shape, with Elliot Anderson one of the club’s top targets for the position.
Right now, Manchester United look set to target Sandro Tonali as the club’s first midfield signing of the summer, with multiple expected.
Tonali, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton are the three names on the narrowed-down shortlist at the moment, with the three considered as first-choice signings.
Anderson has been United’s number one all season; however, with Manchester City in the competition for his signature, it won’t be easy to secure his signing.
Which former target would be the perfect solution in midfield this summer if we could go back in time?
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Elliot Anderson celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Manchester United think Elliot Anderson can become the next Declan Rice
With United targeting Anderson, the club believes he will soon follow the footsteps of Declan Rice, in relation to his evolution as a player.
Speaking about the situation on The United Stand’s YouTube channel, Ben Jacobs has now explained how Ineos thinks Anderson will develop.
“Manchester United feel that Anderson could follow a path like Declan Rice, and if you go back to Declan Rice in the last sort of 12 to 18 months at West Ham and probably more so the first season at Arsenal, he was really being encouraged to get more goal contributions, and Elliot Anderson has got that in his locker as well.”
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“Manchester United think Elliot Anderson has that ability to be one of those players that, in terms of putting the ball in the back of the net or getting more assists, can improve on those numbers.”
United had the chance to sign Rice before he became the all-conquering superstar now dominating for Arsenal in the Premier League, and so the club can’t pass up the chance to sign Anderson if they feel it could be a repeat.
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
Elliot Anderson knee slide for Nottingham Forest.
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Anderson must remain Manchester United’s first choice
Over the past few days, Tonali has emerged as United’s top target. But willingly missing out on Anderson would be a disappointing blow.
Tonali is a good signing, upgrading the midfield and, importantly, adding the legs and athleticism lacking right now, and he’s in his prime years, ready to win now.
But signing Anderson still looks like the better move for United.
This is because he is homegrown, getting better every year, and interestingly, is Manchester City’s main priority to replace Rodri.
It might prove too difficult, but if possible, United needs to make Anderson the midfield addition this summer, it would be a big statement.
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