Manchester United are preparing for the return of the Premier League with a trip to Dublin for some mid-season training
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on January 3, 2026 in Birmingham, England.
Elliot Anderson could be on his way to Old Trafford(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Manchester United could exchange one out-of-favour player for a highly-rated new signing as soon as the summer window opens. The Red Devils are back in action next week as they welcome Leeds United to Old Trafford for Monday night football.
Michael Carrick has taken the senior squad to a training camp in Ireland to prepare the returning international stars for Premier League action. Those not selected for national team duty have been hard at work during the break at Carton House.
United coach Steve Holland admits that the squad are "focused" on the domestic run-in and is glad to have the group back together. He said: "It’s nice to be together again, having had a couple of weeks with all the players away and representing their various different countries.
"We’ve got an important run-in to go, so it’s important to get the group together again and really focus on that."
Elliot Anderson transfer nears
United are determined to make a move for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson at the earliest opportunity. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club are keen to get a replacement for Casemiro - and potentially other departing stars - in the door.
United are reportedly in the market for two midfielders and are looking increasingly likely to be able to offer new signings Champions League football next season.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest applauds the fans as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest at London Stadium on January 06, 2026 in London, England.
Elliot Anderson is attracting interest from both Manchester clubs(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Reports suggest that the club are preparing an aggressive move for Anderson in order to beat rivals Manchester City to his signature. However, it may take a bid of around £100million to tempt Forest into accepting a deal.
With the World Cup in the summer, United will be keen to get the move done to avoid the price tag rising further.
Out-of-favour star finds replacement club
Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United in action during a first team training session on April 08, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland.
Manuel Ugarte could be on his way out the door(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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With the likes of Anderson potentially incoming, it leaves an opportunity for forgotten stars to head out the door. One of those out-of-favour players is Manuel Ugarte, who has attracted interest from several clubs.
Aston Villa have been named as one team keeping tabs on the Uruguayan midfielder, according to Sky Sports. Juventus and Newcastle are also keen as Ugarte looks set to depart Old Trafford after just two seasons.
The 24-year-old has played just 915 minutes of football this campaign, making seven Premier League starts and 14 cameos from the bench. United have placed a price tag of around £35m on the midfielder, and it is understood that solid talks could begin as early as May.
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