9 recoveries/game: Man Utd now "ready" to pursue deal for £75m star, perfect Casemiro replacement

Manchester United are ready to compete with Manchester City in the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, according to The Mirror.

The Red Devils are expected to reinforce their defensive midfield department this summer, with Casemiro already confirmed to leave when his contract expires on June 30.

Manuel Ugarte could also contemplate a new challenge away from Manchester, having struggled to nail down a regular starting role under multiple managers this term.

Amidst this, The Mirror claim that the Red Devils are prepared to go head-to-head with Man City to prise away Anderson from the Tricky Trees, ideally before the World Cup.

Anderson would prefer to move on before the global tournament and it is claimed that United need Champions League in order to persuade the midfielder to join them.

The 23-year-old was signed by Forest from Newcastle United for £35m in the summer of 2024. The Mirror report that he could cost at least £75m in the next transfer window.

Anderson would be a perfect Casemiro replacement

Casemiro will end his four-year stint with the Red Devils this summer. He has been fantastic in recent weeks, but United have decided to part ways with his services.

The 34-year-old has impressed with his defensive work and key passes into the final third, but no longer has the legs and has been caught out of position as a result.

Anderson would be an ideal replacement for the Brazilian star. The 23-year-old has completed 57 passes per league appearance with an accuracy of around 86 percent.

He has also won an impressive 8.4 duels per game alongside 8.6 recoveries and 2.9 tackles. His tireless work rate and strong defensive traits would suit the Red Devils.

The Magpies graduate has the credentials to become United’s first-choice holding midfielder.

United are currently on course for Champions League qualification with 10 matches left. If they were to qualify, the club should put themselves in a strong position to land him.

Anderson would be a guaranteed starter for the Red Devils in defensive midfield. At Man City, he could be restricted to a rotational role with Rodri and Nico Gonzalez also competing for the spot.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .