Sir Jim Ratcliffe and key Ineos-appointed figures Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox were in attendance at St James’ Park for Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.
Just like the Manchester United fans surrounding them on Wednesday evening, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox all saw the Red Devils’ struggles.
Michael Carrick tried to add urgency to Man Utd’s lacklustre second-half display, but even the 44-year-old Red Devils legend felt helpless on the St James’ Park touchline.
The Red Devils were sluggish and lacked real tenacity to take the Premier League contest to Newcastle, especially with the Magpies being reduced to 10 men.
READ MORE: Senne Lammens says Man Utd must return ‘back to the basics’ to bounce back from first Michael Carrick defeat
Michael Carrick looks dejected following the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
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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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Elliot Anderson’s masterclass for Nottingham Forest against Man City spotlights Man Utd’s missing midfield influence
Newcastle punished Manchester United in the second half for the Red Devils not striking while the iron was hot after Jacob Ramsey was dismissed in the first half.
While United suffered a late 2-1 defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday evening, Elliot Anderson was doing his midfield business in Manchester with incredible precision.
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The 23-year-old midfielder played a key part in snatching a Premier League point and denting Manchester City’s title-challenging hopes at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Man Utd-linked Elliot Anderson was in his element across the full 90 minutes against Pep Guardiola’s men and netted a second-half equaliser for Nottingham Forest.
Irrespective of his impact in the final third, the 23-year-old England international’s midfield display showed the shortfall that the Red Devils had against Newcastle.
According to WhoScored, Anderson had 72 touches of the ball, an 87 per cent pass rate, won two aerial duels and completed five tackles during his performance.
Anderson not only scored from his three shots in the match, but his midfield and defensive duties were equally impressive against City in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw.
READ MORE: Matheus Cunha’s role vs Newcastle is one example of Man Utd’s tactical blueprint not working, says Michael Carrick
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 must be a top target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos in Man Utd’s bid to rebuild the midfield in the summer
Casemiro’s upcoming exit at Old Trafford is setting up Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos with the mission to completely rebuild the Red Devils’ midfield for the long term.
Kobbie Mainoo is likely to be a key part of the rebuild after the 20-year-old England international’s resurgence in form under Red Devils interim boss Michael Carrick.
Manuel Ugarte, on the other hand, could still be sold in the summer and the transfer window after the 2025-26 campaign will be a pivotal turning point for United.
United have already been linked with different midfield options ahead of the summer window opening, including Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
However, Anderson’s ‘masterclass’ against Manchester City is only another sign that the Nottingham Forest and England midfielder should be a top target for Ineos.
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