Manchester United have shown glimpses of taking the next step under Ruben Amorim in the 2025/26 campaign, but there is still a glaring issue at the heart of the side.
The central midfield department has been an area of the pitch in which the manager has struggled for quality, which has resulted in a makeshift partnership as of late.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have often shared responsibility in the middle of the park, but a longer-term solution will be needed to take the Red Devils back up the Premier League.
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The Brazilian is now 33 and looks set to depart at the end of the campaign, which could open up the possibility of a move for a youngster to stake their claim for a starting role.
However, it could also see INEOS flex their muscles in the transfer market, potentially making a move for numerous players who are already on their radar ahead of January.
Man Utd's "top top target" revealed
Over the last couple of weeks, United have been one of the sides interested in a move for Bournemouth star Tyler Adams to bolster the options at Amorim’s disposal.
The American international has featured in all but one league outing this campaign, which has led to the Cherries placing a £40m price tag on his head in recent weeks.
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However, it's now being reported that Andoni Iraola’s men are desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old, who has revived his career at the Vitality over the last 18 months.
He’s not the only player in their sights, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson currently ahead of the Bournemouth star in their list of targets this winter.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the England international is seen as a “top top target” for Amorim’s men this window, but a deal for his signature could be an expensive one.
He confirmed that a deal could well prove to be unlikely in the winter market, especially after Sean Dyche’s men placed a £100m price tag on his head for any interested party.
How Mainoo compares to Anderson
Kobbie Mainoo is another option who could be utilised at the heart of the United side, but boss Amorim evidently doesn’t see the youngster as part of his long-term plans.
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The 20-year-old has now featured in 11 Premier League matches this season, but all of which have been from the bench - resulting in just 212 minutes of first-team action.
As a result, the player himself has been linked with a permanent and temporary move away from Old Trafford ahead of the upcoming window, but the club are set to block any approaches for his signature.
During Monday’s draw with Bournemouth, Mainoo’s brother was spotted wearing a shirt that stated 'free Kobbie Mainoo', which has no doubt flamed the fire that has been building.
It’s vital the youngster is handed senior minutes to help aid his development, especially after nailing down his place as a regular starter under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.
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His minutes could be further limited should Anderson make a move to Old Trafford in the months ahead, with the Forest star currently a much bigger talent than the academy graduate.
When comparing his stats to those of Mainoo’s from the ongoing campaign, Anderson has outperformed him in numerous key areas - showcasing why he’d be a better option for Amorim’s men.
How Anderson & Mainoo compare in the PL (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Progressive passes
Passes into final third
Tackles won
Interceptions made
Take-on success
Recoveries made
Aerials won
Stats via FBref
The Forest star, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has dominated in possession, as seen with his tally of more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90.
Such numbers make him the perfect ball-playing option at the heart of the side, which could allow him to offer yet another creative outlet alongside Fernandes.
He’s also thrived without the ball at the City Ground, as seen by his tackles won per 90 tally, with the current United star unable to get anywhere near such levels in 2025/26.
Anderson has also made more interceptions and more ball recoveries per 90, further reaffirming his incredible ability without the ball - something which the side have greatly lacked in recent times.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson celebrates after the match
The Mainoo situation at Old Trafford is certainly a sad sight to behold, especially after his efforts a couple of years ago, which led to the youngster scoring in the FA Cup final triumph in 2023/24.
However, a deal for Anderson would see the Red Devils land a phenomenal talent, with the 23-year-old having the tools to allow for an upgrade in the midfield department.
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