The Numbers Say This £100m Midfielder Would Make Man United the Best Team in the Premier League

BACK Dylan Oakley Jan 28th 2026 Man United are looking to spend big on a centre-midfielder in the summer to replace Casemiro.  The Brazil international announced that he would leave Old Trafford in the summer as his contract expires in June. Whether Michael Carrick is in charge next season or not, the Red Devils will need to sign a new holding midfielder. Three names have been linked to Man United in a big summer deal. The first name was Carlos Baleba at Brighton, who United enquired about last summer. However, Brighton slapped a huge £100m plus price tag on him, so the Red Devils backed out. Reports have said they are still keen. The second name is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who has also been linked to rivals Liverpool. He is expected to command a hefty fee too, but United remain keen on the England international. However, they should look at a different name instead. Man United should sign Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has become one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League, and is now a key starter for Thomas Tuchel in his England squad, ahead of the World Cup in the summer. Man United are interested, but so are rivals Man City, so it could take a bid of over £100m for the Red Devils to land the 22-year-old. Anderson has made 23 Premier League appearances for Forest this season, scoring one goal, and providing two assists. But, he is also the best in the league at one thing, which could transform Man United. Anderson could make United the ‘best in the league’ Anderson is a proper ball-winning midfield player. He picks up the ball, and then helps turn defence into attack in Forest’s transition play. Looking at the statistics on the Premier League’s Website, Anderson is the best in the league at winning duels this season. He has won 182 duels in 23 games, which is 25 better than the next closest player, his Forest teammate Neco Williams. So far this season, Man United have won 1218 duels, which is the third most in the Premier League. If you add on Anderson’s numbers, they would have 1400, which would be the most in the division. If the Red Devils could become better than any other side at winning duels, with goals coming from Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, think how high that could take them. Click here to see Man United’s latest transfer news.