Manchester United have a huge couple of weeks ahead of them, with the hierarchy needing to make a huge call over who will lead the club forward for the remainder of 205/26.
The Red Devils board have held talks with the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick over a deal to take the reins once again until the end of the campaign.
It’s expected that one of the aforementioned duo is set to lead the side for the rest of the Premier League season, with a view to appointing a new manager in the summer.
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick before the match
However, it’s crucial the club don’t get left behind by some of their rivals, especially with the January transfer window currently ongoing for the next couple of weeks.
Despite having no manager at present, the hierarchy have already started to conduct numerous pieces of business which could set them up for long-term success.
Man Utd make £100m star their top transfer target
Over the last couple of weeks, RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande has become a target for United, with the attacker producing some incredible numbers so far this campaign.
The Ivorian international has already netted six goals in his first 14 Bundesliga appearances of the campaign, with Liverpool just one other side keen on a move for his signature.
yan-diomande-rb-leipzig-man-city
However, a deal would likely be an expensive one for any interested party, with his current employers demanding a fee in the region of £80m for his services.
He’s not the only big-money player currently in their sights at present, as Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has emerged as a target for the Red Devils once again.
According to TEAMtalk, the 23-year-old remains as the club’s number one option for the midfield department, but a deal would likely take place in the summer.
The report also states that Sean Dyche’s men could be set to demand up to a fee in the region of £100m for his services, which would make him the club’s record addition.
elliot-anderson-nottingham-forest
However, it also states that Manchester City are firmly in the race to land the England international, with Pep Guardiola’s men already making contact over a move.
Why Anderson would be perfect for Bruno at United
During Ruben Amorim's tenure as manager, club captain Bruno Fernandes was often forced to operate in a deeper number eight role than his familiar number ten position.
Bruno Fernandes
Whilst it didn’t take away from his tally of 37 combined goals and assists in the 2024/25 campaign, it’s certainly had a bearing on the club’s attacking department.
The 31-year-old has for so long been the Red Devils’ main talisman within the final third, with the Portuguese international needing to play in a more advanced role.
In each of Darren Fletcher’s two matches in temporary charge of the side, he’s utilised Bruno in his natural position, subsequently grabbing an assist in both matches.
However, any deal for Anderson could allow the captain to feature in such a position on a permanent basis, with the Forest star able to take his place in the number eight role.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes reacts
The Englishman has been one of the division’s best orchestrators so far this campaign, with his stats from 2025/26 reflecting his ability at both ends of the pitch.
His ability without the ball would hand the first-team squad the defensive solidity they’ve craved, whilst also having the tools to provide Bruno with the ammunition he needs for success.
Anderson, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Statman Dave, has made 2.7 tackles per and 1.2 interceptions per 90 - showcasing his talents without the ball.
He’s also made 1.9 blocks and won 1.5 aerial duels per 90, further reaffirming his incredible dominance when trying to disrupt the opposition in the Premier League.
Elliot Anderson - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Passes into final third
Key passes
Successful take-ons
Tackles made
Blocks made
Interceptions made
Stats via FBref
However, in possession, he’s been just as impressive, as demonstrated by his phenomenal tally of 8.1 passes into the final third of the pitch per 90.
No other player in the division has been able to register more to date, with such a figure helping Bruno create even more opportunities for himself or his teammates.
elliot-anderson-nottingham-forest
Anderson has also completed 82% of the passes he’s attempted, along with 1.3 successful take-ons per 90 - numbers which make him the perfect box-to-box option.
£100m would be a huge sum to pay for the England international, but it’s a move that would secure the club a new number eight for at least the next decade.
Given the interest from bitter rivals Manchester City, the hierarchy must act quickly to secure his services and help the side reach the next level under the guidance of any new manager.
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