Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts to closely monitor a replacement for Elliot Anderson who Ruben Amorim once described as a “natural leader”.
Roy Keane criticizes Man Utd ‘schoolboy’ star after West Ham draw
Just when it looks like Man United are progressing, the Red Devils are hit with even more frustration. This time, it was West Ham United who took full advantage to snatch a point from Old Trafford thanks to Soungoutou Magassa’s late equalizer.
It is now one win in five for Ruben Amorim’s side and club legend Roy Keane could no longer hold back his criticism after the draw against West Ham.
“When you look at the team, given the money that has been spent, they lack strength in depth. Especially in the attacking areas.
“When you try to watch a game, I watch Mason Mount when he came on, some players take longer to get up to speed but he was like a schoolboy.
“You look for players to be there. If anything, they brought the levels down at United. That seemed to be the case tonight.”
It was another game in which United failed to showcase their attacking prowess as Keane questioned midfielder Mount after he appeared on the bench.
This isn’t the first time Amorim’s midfield has been called into question and it certainly won’t be the last. INEOS is well aware that additions in this area should be next on its priority list, after strengthening the front line this summer.
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This Man Utd ace struggled in 1-1 home draw against West Ham
As such, names such as Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have become targets for 2026. The former is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League, with United among the chasers to land his signature.
But the Nottingham Forest star isn’t the only name on their shortlist. Instead, they could still form a reunion between Morten Hjulmand and Amorim.
Man Utd are keeping a close eye on Hjulmand
According to Caught Offside, Man United scouts are now keeping a close eye on Hjulmand in case they miss Anderson and Wharton. The Sporting CP star is valued at £50 million – making him a cheaper alternative to Anderson – and is someone Amorim knows well from his time in Lisbon.
|
League Stats 25/26 |
Helmsman |
Anderson |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
1,067 |
1,260 |
|
Progressive passes |
91 |
119 |
|
Tackles won |
16 |
20 |
|
Ball recoveries |
79 |
115 |
Although Amorim was quick to label Hjulmand a “fantastic player” at Sporting, there is no denying that Anderson should remain Man United’s first option.
The Nottingham Forest star has blown away the Dane, statistically speaking, so far this season and has drawn the same comparison to a number of Premier League stars.
He won’t come cheap and United must overcome the hurdle of competition from Manchester City and others, but INEOS must simply go all out for the England international in 2026. If the Red Devils are to rise again, they cannot settle for second best.
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