“He deserves the top”: Huge boost for United as dream midfield target destined to depart club this summer

Manchester United have ended the season well, all but securing third place with just two games left. A point against either Nottingham Forest or Brighton & Hove Albion would be enough to mathematically secure it. A draw between Aston Villa and Liverpool this Friday night would also do the trick, as they are the only two clubs who can catch United. Nonetheless, United are still keen to bolster their squad in the summer, particularly in the midfield area. Links With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte’s future at the club looking bleak, United are only really left with Kobbie Mainoo as a viable central midfielder. Therefore, it has been rumoured that United could seek up to three midfielders this window. They have been linked to numerous Premier League-based players such as Carlos Baleba, Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Joao Gomes, and some from abroad such as Ederson at Atalanta. One midfielder to whom they have been linked all season is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and many reports claim he is the club’s dream midfield target. The deal could be complicated by two major factors, though: the presence of Manchester City as rival suitors and his huge price tag that Forest will almost certainly set, especially now they are safe from relegation. Elliot Anderson could depart Speaking after Forest’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, their boss Vitor Pereira gave the biggest hint that the England international could be leaving the club. ESPN carry comments from the head coach after the match where he explained, “it’s difficult for me, and everybody, to understand what he is feeling inside of him.” He continued, “I believe that he is honouring his mother, going inside the pitch and running until the last metre, until the last breath. I cannot say [whether he will stay], I don’t have the answer. I know he deserves the top of the world.” Pereira also asserted that, “I know that he’s our player, and we need to enjoy him because I have worked with the top talent players, but to find a top player with this character is not easy. I’m not thinking about the next season. I’m thinking about finishing this season in the best position that we can.” Elliot Anderson stats vs Newcastle United Goals1 Expected goals (xG)0.13 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.03 Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)1 (0) Accurate passes62/74 (84%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)24/33 (73%) Passes in own half (acc.)38/41 (93%) Total shots3 Expected goals on target (xGOT)0.47 Shots on target1 Shots blocked0 Touches91 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)2 (1) Was fouled2 Possession lost17 Total carrying distance236.9 m Carries27 Progressive carries2 Total progression84.2 m Progressive carrying distance37.8 m Longest progressive carry20 m Def. contributions2 Tackles (won)1 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances1 Blocked shots0 Recoveries10 Ground duels (won)9 (4) Aerial duels (won)2 (1) Fouls2 Dribbled past1 Source: Sofascore Featured image Clive Mason 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.