Elliot Anderson is thought to be high on Manchester United's transfer targets for this summer.placeholder image
Elliot Anderson is thought to be high on Manchester United's transfer targets for this summer. | Getty Images
Could Manchester United launch a double Nottingham Forest swoop this summer?
Manchester United are eyeing up a major midfield rebuild this summer as Michael Carrick’s side look to push on from what is gearing up to be a successful second half of the season under the former United midfield star.
Carrick is set to see his contract run out at the end of the campaign but could find himself in the running for the full-time job if United qualify for the Champions League. They are currently sat in fourth place, three points above Chelsea and Liverpool after Benjamin Sesko scored the winner off the bench at Everton on Monday night.
A lot was made of the Red Devils’ attacking spending spree last summer and similar publicity is being given to their search for a new midfield unit, with two experienced players believed to be on their wish-list for this summer. Elliot Anderson is thought to be a top target but another Nottingham Forest star may also be in consideration, if latest reports are to be believed.
Man United ‘impressed’ with Forest star Ibrahim Sangare
According to reports by GiveMeSport, Man United are considering a summer move for Nottingham Forest defensive midfielder Ibrahim Sangare as a direct replacement for Casemiro this summer.
The Ivorian powerhouse is viewed as a natural replacement for the physicality and defensive prowess of Casemiro in the middle of the park, with the Brazilian set to leave at the end of the season as a free agent.
Premier League experience is thought to be a key characteristic they are looking for in replacements, following the success of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha after their big-money arrivals from Brentford and Wolves last summer. While Sangare is seen as a reliable and more cost-effective option than other targets including Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Sangare is said to be ‘impressing United recruiters’ as they consider which midfield duo they will move for in the summer, amidst a series of consistent performances despite Forest’s disappointing position in the league table this term.
Sangare could become next Casemiro at Old Trafford
Sangare was described as an ‘absolute monster’ by journalist Jak Netting last month, as he noted how Forest had lost significantly less matches under former boss Sean Dyche with Sangare in the team than without him, after he had spent an extended period at the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.
The 28-year-old is a different profile of player to many of United’s other transfer targets and might see his age work against him when it comes to earning himself a big move to a destination such as Old Trafford. But the former PSV Eindhoven star has three years of Premier League experience under his belt and is reaching new levels in his game this year, following previous experience in European football with the Eredivisie giants before his £30m move to the City Ground in 2023.
United will undoubtedly miss the midfield enforcer qualities of Casemiro next season and could find his successor in Sangare, acting as a shield in front of the defence and allowing a midfield partner such as Anderson, Tonali or Kobbie Mainoo more freedom next to him. Sangare has also stepped up with two league goals from midfield this term, which has too become a key trait of the Brazilian. This transfer move might be somewhat of a surprise, but it is one to keep an eye out for ahead of the summer window.
Continue Reading