Manchester United face a huge challenge to secure a replacement for Casemiro this summer.
Casemiro’s declaration that he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season has sharpened the focus over potential replacements.
Ineos‘ recent track record of successful signings indicates that they will recruit well, and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is a top target.
Anderson is Premier League proven and also on track to star for England at the World Cup. Another possible target is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Anderson or Wharton graphic
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Elliot Anderson dribbles the ball for Forest vs Palace
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
Paul Merson unconvinced
In a segment on Sky Sports News on transfer deadline day, pundit Paul Merson expressed his own doubts about Anderson.
Merson argues that he has not been blown away by Anderson, pointing to Nottingham Forest’s poor position in the Premier League table, where they rank in 17th place.
He said: “I’m not sure, I like Elliot Anderson, but I’m not wow-factored over him.
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“I like Elliot Anderson, but they’re fourth bottom of the league, fifth bottom of the league, Forest, so they’re not dominating all midfields, are they?
“And if you’re a midfield player, that’s where the engine is. Do you know what I mean? I don’t see him running the show in midfield at Nottingham Forest, and we’re talking about Man Utd.”
Merson’s comments ignore the fact that Anderson leads the Premier League in duels won among all players.
He also ignores his age and potential, with the central midfielder only 23-years-old. Manchester United will face competition from Manchester City for his signature this summer.
Merson’s logic would also suggest that Bruno Fernandes is a not a top quality player because United finished in 15th place last season.
He went on to add that he would recommend Adam Wharton as a better option.
“I would go for Wharton ahead of him.”
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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United have gone all-in on the summer
Manchester United chose not to pursue a stop-gap option in the January transfer window, indicating they will go all-in this summer.
With only 14 Premier League games remaining between now and the end of the season, United hope to have enough to get through the campaign.
Next season will bring a new challenge, with the extra benefit of European football, which will stretch the squad. There is also a World Cup hangover to consider for players at the tournament.
There is enough time to plan, and Anderson could be a key part of that – but United need to explore all options.
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