Not Casemiro – Man Utd told ‘phenomenal’ star is the perfect Bruno replacement

Manchester United have added Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson to their midfield shortlist, but they should only sign him if they need a replacement for Bruno Fernandes, argues one source.The Red Devils worked almost exclusively on revamping their attack last summer, leaving the midfield department unattended.Therefore, INEOS are expected to ring the changes in the middle of the park in 2026, especially with Casemiro’s contract expiring at the end of the season.Why Elliot Anderson is not the right profile to replace Casemiro at Man UtdMan Utd have been linked with several targets between the Premier League and abroad, but Anderson’s stock has been on a steady rise. Club officials have already opened talks with the player’s entourage, according to some reports in the British media.Anderson’s impressive display in last weekend’s 2-2 draw between Forest and United consolidated his status as one of the club’s main transfer targets.Nevertheless, the Manchester Evening News journalist Steven Railston argues that Man Utd would commit a mistake by identifying Anderson as Casemiro’s heir.(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)The source insists that the ‘phenomenal’ England international is a classic No.8 who’s efficient when pushing high and causing havoc in the final third.On the contrary, playing Anderson as a No.6 would diminish his impact, and could leave him in a vulnerable spot. Although he played as a holding midfielder for England, the opposition was too weak to genuinely test him in this role.Anderson could be Bruno Fernandes’ heir at Old TraffordWhile Railston believes that Man Utd should pursue a more natural No.6, there could be a place for Anderson in the team, especially if INEOS and Bruno decide to go their separate ways at the end of the season. Stats in 25/26 Duel Possession won Progressive carries Forward passes Forward passes % Key passes Progressive passes Elliot Anderson 63.2 84.9 63.2 95.3 67.2 78.1 94.3 Casemiro 86.6 98.5 18.3 73.2 37.7 33.4 64.7 Bruno Fernandes 78.3 55.1 66.6 83.8 35.7 95.5 94.9 Stats provided by DataMBAlthough there’s nothing yet concrete on this particular front, some sources, including Fabrizio Romano, expect Saudi Pro League giants to revive their interest in the Portuguese star, not to mention potential enquiries from Europe’s elite.So if the captain ends up departing next summer, Anderson would represent a younger and more dynamic replacement capable of linking up with a new holding midfielder, who might just be Carlos Baleba.