Manchester United’s midfield is set to undergo open-heart surgery during the 2026 summer transfer window, with Casemiro already confirmed to be leaving the club.
When Casemiro announced his departure from Manchester United, it signalled the start of what will be the year of the midfielder at Carrington.
The Brazilian could be joined out the door by Manuel Ugarte, while there is also the chance that Bruno Fernandes leaves, which creates the need for at least two additions, maybe even three.
There is a positive, with Kobbie Mainoo looking set to play a major role going forward, but he needs a partner, and United need depth.
Now, one standout option has just become even more standout.
Who would be your dream Manchester United midfield pairing for 2026/27? ⚽️
Let us know who you want to see in midfield for Manchester United next season in the comments!
Adam Wharton playing against Albania for England.
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Elliot Anderson leads Premier League for duels won
When it comes to the dream midfield addition this summer, United have three top options: Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Elliot Anderson.
All three would fit very nicely alongside Mainoo and be an upgrade in terms of current ability over Casemiro. But in an ideal world, Anderson is the one who sticks out above the rest.
Elliot Anderson in blue Forest away kit
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Anderson has become one of the best midfielders in the league for Nottingham Forest, and if signed, could have a Declan Rice-esque impact on the Red Devils.
Despite being excellent on the ball, Anderson is also a duel-winning machine, with the Premier League duel charts being topped by the Geordie so far this season with 182.
The 23-year-old leads second place by 24 duels, meaning it isn’t even close, while the closest midfielder is Joao Gomes with 134.
Duels won’t be the primary demand that a new United midfielder will need to have, but Anderson’s ability off the ball is matched on the ball, as he is clearly the best on the market.
In joint 49th of the standings, Casemiro and Adam Wharton both sit on 100, just 82 less than Anderson, which demonstrates the impact that he might have.
Baleba is 196th in the rankings with just 55, behind several of his own teammates and also Ugarte.
Casemiro is United’s current duel winner in midfield, and Anderson is a vast improvement, mainly because he has the legs to get in positions to win more duels.
Is Elliot Anderson the standout midfield option for Manchester United?
How much would you want United to spend on him this summer…
Elliot Anderson duels
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Manchester United could be set for a decade with Anderson and Kobbie Mainoo
Anderson is indisputably the signing I would want Ineos to make above all others this summer.
The midfield addition who raises the technical quality, running, and physical levels in the middle of the park, and his defensive ability make him the ideal partner for Mainoo.
Both are in their early 20s, England internationals, and realistically, with any luck, Ineos could be setting the club up for a decade of a dominant, Premier League title-worthy midfield.
It makes so much sense that Ineos simply has to do it, even if it costs £100m, he will more than pay for himself with performances and trophies in his time at the club.
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