Man Utd have a ‘future £100m star’ who is Carrington’s Anderson

Manchester United’s main priority during the summer transfer window was to strengthen the club’s front line – which was achieved as evidenced by their £200 million investment in such an area.

Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have all moved to Old Trafford, forming a lethal new trio for Ruben Amorim to work with during his tenure at the helm.

However, after completing such deals, the hierarchy turned their attention to a new number six to help build strength and quality within the midfield department.

Carlos Baleba was identified as the Red Devils’ top target over the summer but they failed to complete a deal, with Brighton & Hove Albion demanding more than £100million for his signature.

There is no doubt that Amorim’s men will still be very interested in signing him in January, but another Premier League option has since appeared on their radar in recent weeks.

How Anderson compares to Man Utd’s 2025/26 CMs so far

In a bid to strengthen the midfield ranks, United have been hugely touted with a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in the upcoming January window.

It has been reported that Amorim’s side have already made contact with Sean Dyche’s men about a deal for his signing this winter, but it could cost around £100million.

Such a deal would have gigantic support from the board, but how does the 23-year-old compare to current starters Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro?

Both current Red Devils are experienced options, with both now over 30, but that hasn’t stopped Anderson massively dominating the pair in such key areas.

The Englishman has topped 13 separate metrics in the Premier League this campaign, many of them showcasing his talents with and without the ball at his feet.

He completed 113 passes in the final third, with a total of 706 completed passes, the most of any player in the division – subsequently demonstrating his fantastic ability to possess possession.

Without the ball, the youngster also dominated, with such skills potentially ending Casemiro’s career at Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.

Anderson has participated in the most defensive duels of any player in the division, while also winning the most duels, potentially making him the perfect depth option for Amorim’s team.

At just 23 years old, the Forest star has all the tools to develop into an elite-level talent, but it remains to be seen whether the hierarchy would be willing to fork out £100million for his signature.

The United star who is their local version of Anderson

Given the rumored price tag of signing Anderson, it shows the importance of being able to identify talent from a young age, or even produce your own versions from the academy set-up.

United have undoubtedly shifted their recruitment focus over the past couple of months, as evidenced by their deals to sign Diego Leon and Senne Lammens – with two talented youngsters with huge potential.

However, the academy ranks have also proven successful in recent years, as evidenced by the emergence of the Class of 92, with graduates playing an important role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure.

David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have all operated at the heart of the team throughout their respective careers, helping the club to 13 separate Premier League titles.

Fans will no doubt be hoping that Anderson can add himself to such a roster in the near future, but Amorim could save himself and the club millions by releasing Kobbie Mainoo.

Like the aforementioned academy stars, the 20-year-old burst onto the scene as a teenager, making an immediate impact and becoming a key member of United’s squad.

His major breakthrough came in 2023/24, where the youngster racked up 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring on five occasions – many of which proved to be crucial efforts.

Mainoo claimed a last-minute victory in a tight clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, while also scoring against bitter rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final triumph.

However, he has failed to reach such heights in the last 12 months, with current boss Amorim preferring Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte ahead of him.

Such a move might come as a surprise to fans, especially given his statistics last season, which saw him outperform Anderson in many key areas – and that’s despite making just 25 league appearances.

Mainoo completed more of the passes he attempted, while also completing more of the crosses he attempted – leading Alex Turk to dub him a “future £100million-plus footballer”.

He also completed more of the dribbles he attempted, while being dispossessed on fewer occasions, subsequently demonstrating his incredible possession ability.

However, without the ball, Mainoo was dribbled past on fewer occasions, with more interceptions made – highlighting that he is capable of beating the £100million star when given the chance.

It’s obvious that Mainoo is still a player with plenty of talent, but the manager desperately needs to swallow his pride and give the 20-year-old the chance to stake his claim as a first-team regular.

He has so often had to settle for minutes off the substitutes’ bench, which has undoubtedly hampered his chances of continuing his progression and capitalizing on his incredible start to his career in 2023/24.

Upon his return from injury in the near future, the 40-year-old must give the youngster the opportunity to have a consistent run as a regular starter to allow him to reach his full potential at the Theater of Dreams.

Such a move would save the club millions of pounds, with the academy graduate having the chance to lead the Red Devils to new heights in the years to come.