United’s summer move for “perfect target” under threat as CL giants ready to crash the party – report

Manchester United have endured a difficult week following the sacking of Ruben Amorim and their exit from the FA Cup. The Red Devils are also slipping down the league table as they have drawn three consecutive games. Midfield concerns United appear to be on the verge of appointing former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season. It has been reported that he may have funds available for a long-term target, and one area United need to strengthen is the engine room. Links Manchester United have been linked with moves for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils made a move for the African in the summer, but the Seagulls were unwilling to negotiate a deal. They have also been credited with an interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Elliot Anderson is another midfielder whom United are pursuing, and he is seen as the “perfect” target for the Mancunian side. Rivals Anderson has broken into the England senior team this season and is now regarded as one of the best midfielders in the league. Naturally, this has caught the attention of numerous teams, with Manchester City also very keen on the player. Bayern Munich threat Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that United may have another team to fend off if they are to win the race for the 23-year-old. Bayern Munich’s scouts have reportedly highlighted “his innate ability to orchestrate play with precise passing and his physical stamina, crucial for success in the demanding Bundesliga.” His work rate and versatility are also qualities that the Bavarians really appreciate in the midfielder. It is reported that Bayern know it will be tough to compete with the finances of Premier League clubs, but their “strategy involves offering a stable sporting project and the opportunity to compete annually for all available continental titles.” The club is convinced that the “player possesses the necessary DNA to succeed in a high-pressure sporting environment like the one that typically surrounds the Allianz Arena.” They are also keen to wait until the summer to make a move, and Fichajes makes the rather large claim that Bayern are indeed “leading the European race” for the sought-after midfielder. Elliot Anderson Premier League Stats: 2025/26 Season StatisticValue Appearances21 Goals1 Assists2 Goals1 Expected Goals (xG)1.79 Expected Assists (xA)2.07 Shots on Target (Inside Box)7 Shots on Target (Outside Box)5 Touches in Opposition Box35 Penalties (Scored)1 (1) Free Kicks (Scored)1 (1) Crosses (Completed %)39 (26%) Passes (Completed %)1,429 (86%) Long Passes (Completed %)124 (54%) Corners Taken57 Minutes Played1,890 Dribbles (Completed %)50 (54%) Duels Won164 Aerial Duels Won33 Total Tackles57 Interceptions25 Blocks9 Red Cards0 Yellow Cards4 Fouls32 Offsides1 Featured image Jack Thomas via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.