Manchester United are aiming for two big midfield signings next summer, with Elliot Anderson topping the priority list.
Coach Ruben Amorim considers strengthening the midfield as a top goal to rebuild the squad, along with Brighton's Carlos Baleba, another key deal.
Brighton rejected a offer from Man United for the 21-year-old last summer. However, the "Red Devils" are still interested, because the Cameroon international has also expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford.
In addition, Man United also see Nottingham Forest England England Elliot Anderson as another target. His ability to play flexibly in the defensive midfielder position of No. 6 and attacking midfielder makes the club willing to do everything to get him.
At Nottingham Forest, Anderson has played in all 11 Premier League games this season, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist. Although Nottingham are struggling in the relegation battle, he is having the best season of his career.
In the national team, Anderson created a good pair with Declan Rice and was praised by coach Thomas Tuchel as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest understand that they are facing a difficult battle to keep this talented midfielder. However, Anderson could be worth less than Carlos Baleba, who is valued at £100 million. And that is why he is seen as a potential deal.
Casemiro, a veteran of Man United, is about to expire his contract and will have to reduce his salary if he wants to continue to stay with the club. If he leaves, the Brazilian could move to the Saudi Pro League, where he has received many attractive offers.
In addition, the Old Trafford team is also eyeing Conor Gallagher if Atletico Madrid agree to lend him in January, because this player is looking for a chance to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
In the summer of 2025, Man United spent a lot of money to recruit strikers such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. They are now ready to adopt a similar strategy to midfield, considering it part of a long-term rebuilding plan to support Amorim.
The summer of heavy spending has led to a poor start to the current campaign, with Amorim's side 14th in the Premier League at the end of September. However, they have recovered and gone through a 5-match unbeaten streak since then.
Currently, Man United is seventh in the rankings after a dramatic draw with Tottenham. The "Red Devils" will return to play next weekend when they host Everton at Old Trafford.
Man United are expected to lose Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui as these players return to serve the national team at the AFCON. Notably, Mbeumo - a rookie from Brentford last summer - is currently the leading striker of the "Red Devils". The absence of these pillars could force Amorim to give young talents a chance to play on the bench.
"We will have some difficulties, but we also know that this is an opportunity. When I watched the training sessions, there were players who should have been on the pitch.
However, it is difficult to eliminate some players after just one match, because they are also performing well in the training process. So others will have the opportunity to help the team" - Amorim shared.
