Whoever the next Manchester United manager is, their summer transfer window priority is clear - central midfield.
But out of all the names who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, who will be the one they go after the most?
With Casemiro leaving the Red Devils at the end of his contract at the end of the 2025/26 season, United have a gaping hole to fill in the middle of the park.
There remain question marks over Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte's futures, while the likes of Scott McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek have been allowed to leave in recent years.
Bruno Fernandes Could Follow Casemiro Out Of Old Trafford
bruno fernandes
There is also no guarantee that captain Bruno Fernandes remains at the club, after the Portuguese was left hurt by the club wanting him to leave for Saudi Arabia in the summer.
So a central midfielder will be high on the list of potential signings for the new manager to bring in - whoever that might be. Michael Carrick is in caretaker charge right now, after replacing Ruben Amorim, but, even after winning three straight games, it was only supposed to be a temporary appointment, with the likes of Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Tuchel linked with taking the job in the summer.
Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton have all been mentioned as potential arrivals at Old Trafford in the summer, with all expected to cost big money. It could be that all three require a £100million-plus transfer fee.
Leon Goretzka is a name that has been linked with United in the past and he will be a free agent once he leaves Bayern Munich at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Manchester United Could Sign Two Midfielders In The Summer
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson applauds fans
According to the Athletic, United could bring in two central midfielders in the summer and there is one name that stands out above the rest - Nottingham Forest's Anderson.
Speaking in their Deal Sheet round-up of transfer activity, Mark Critchley wrote: "They are expected to be in the market for not just one but two midfielders.
"Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are all hugely admired, with Anderson considered their first-choice target. Each of Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace were always unlikely to allow one of their best and most valuable players to leave mid-season, but are expected to be more open to business come the summer."
Thomas Tuchel Loves Elliot Anderson
england boss thomas tuchel
Tuchel, who is linked with leaving England to become United boss after the World Cup, has worked with Anderson with the Three Lions and likes what he has seen.
"He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent," Tuchel said. "He is fulfilling his role in the best way possible so we are very happy with him.
"Anderson is a key player for us at the moment. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League - that's why he is with us and starting for us.
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