Manchester United are expected to make a real run at signing Elliot Anderson in the summer.
One of the big reasons Manchester United are not making a big move to buy a midfielder this month is because of the expectation there is a bigger move to make in the summer.
Elliot Anderson is among United’s top targets, although it is expected there will be competition from City too.
Anderson will be expensive, especially if he stars at the 2026 World Cup for England.
But as we have seen with Arsenal’s successful move for Declan Rice, sometimes the smart deals are the obvious ones.
Anderson is young, proven in the Premier League, and able to contribute in all areas of the midfield. He is the complete player United are searching for.
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
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The Michael Carrick factor
It is too early to say whether Michael Carrick will still be at Manchester United next season, or in what capacity.
Carrick is United’s head coach until the end of the season. He cannot be discounted from the race for the permanent job.
If he does end up staying, Manchester United would be smart to utilise a personal connection he has in common with Elliot Anderson.
Anderson began his career at the same youth football club as Michael Carrick did at the start of his career.
Both players started out at Wallsend Boys Club in Wearside, with both going on to progress from grassroots football to representing England.
The coincidences won’t stop there if Anderson follows Carrick by committing his future to Manchester United.
It is a connection that Manchester United would be foolish not to explore, regardless of whether Carrick is coach next season or not.
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Ineos must put plan in place
The Premier League season ends on May 24, with the World Cup kicking off on June 11.
There won’t be much time for players to pause, with preparations expected to begin immediately, yet there is a window for United to try and strike a deal before the tournament.
If United are looking at hiring another coach, one who is at the World Cup, it’s possible that Carrick could stick around after the season as part of a handover.
Or even if a new boss arrives and a move progresses before or after the tournament, Carrick could still be asked to have an important conversation with Anderson, to help the club out.
There are too many variables to chart an exact course now, but when the summer arrives, Ineos must have a plan in place, and use Carrick to help out in the race for Anderson, if they believe it can make a difference.
With Casemiro’s exit confirmed already, it’s clear United must begin pre-planning for the future.
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from United In Focus https://ift.tt/c5E3JmQ