Ferdinand explains why phenomenal 23-yo star is the answer to United’s midfield conundrum

Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium by Bournemouth on Friday, 20 March, in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes was decisive once again for the Red Devils and scored from the penalty spot to give his team the lead in the 61st minute. Ryan Christie got the home side back into the game six minutes later, but Fernandes was at it again four minutes later, forcing James Hill’s own goal from his corner. However, the Cherries were handed a lifeline after Harry Maguire brought Evanilson down in the box. The Englishman was shown his marching orders and Eli Junior Kroupi converted the penalty to secure a point for his team. The Red Devils have stuttered in recent weeks and have won just one of their last three games. However, they remain third in the Premier League table after 31 games, with a return to Champions League football increasingly likely. That could be a huge boost for their summer plans, especially with a new midfielder high on their priority list. United eyeing Casemiro’s successor United are in the market this summer for a long-term successor to Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The Brazilian has enjoyed a mini-resurgence this season, but has already confirmed that he will leave this summer. United signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 to eventually succeed Casemiro. However, the Uruguayan has not lived up to expectations and remains linked with an exit this year as well. The Red Devils are expected to invest in candidates with Premier League experience to address the situation. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is a long-term target, but recent reports have also mentioned Newcastle United duo Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali as options for the job. United legend Rio Ferdinand has now outlined why the English midfielder would be a better fit for his former club than Guimaraes or Tonali. Ferdinand hails Anderson Speaking on his YouTube channel following Friday’s draw, Ferdinand also suggested that Anderson would be a better option than long-term target Carlos Baleba. He said: “Beginning of the season everyone was talking about [Carlos] Baleba, he seems to have gone off the boil a little bit form wise.” “Elliot Anderson, he seems to have jumped to the front of the queue. I think he’s a wonderful player. I think Elliot Anderson is the right type not only of player but character, I think he’d be a good addition to the squad.” “Tonali is a big talent that everyone is talking about, Guimaraes is another big talent that everyone is talking about, but I just think the type of midfielder United need is somebody who is a bit more all-action, who can cover ground, who is dynamic, who is robust, strong, who can drive a team.” “Right now Anderson seems to be ticking those boxes. But I think there are a few other young guns out there who I won’t mention their names yet because I don’t want anyone else to get on that scent.” Elliot Anderson vs Bruno Guimaraes: 2025/26 Season MetricElliot AndersonBruno Guimaraes Appearances3023 Minutes Played26852018 Goals29 Assists24 Yellow Cards65 Red Cards00 Goal Involvements413 Expected Goals (xG)2.494.82 Shots Inside Box95 Shots Outside Box138 Touches in Opposition Box5345 Penalties (Scored)1 (1)2 (2) Expected Assists (xA)3.443.65 Free Kicks (Scored)2 ()1 () Crosses 59 (27%)30 (23%) Hit Woodwork02 Passes19541177 Long Passes (% Completed)178109 Through Balls718 Dribbles7435 Duels Won245126 Aerial Duels Won5811 Tackles8450 Interceptions3412 Blocks121 Fouls4433 Offsides21 Source: Premier League website. Final Thoughts Anderson has been outstanding for Forest this season and is easily one of the best in his position in the Premier League right now. While the race for his signature is heating up, United must do everything possible to take the 23 year old to the Theatre of Dreams this summer. 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.