The international break is here, and Manchester United don’t have another match to play until April 13.
With the time off, there is plenty of room for transfer rumors and speculation for the club’s approach to bolstering the squad in the summer. Plans will alter based on European qualification, especially if United can book their return to the UEFA Champions League next season, but the priority remains midfield. The departure of Casemiro leaves a Casemiro-sized hole in the center of the park, one
which is now priority No. 1.
Midfield Mayhem
The top target for both Manchester United and noisy neighbors Manchester City appears to be Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson. The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and Andy Mitten spoke on the most recent episode of Talk of the Devils about Anderson as a highly regarded prospect by both camps, and the competition for his signature will be fierce.
Multiple other reports also linked United to Anderson this week, with two names surfacing as alternatives. Nathan Salt and Chris Wheeler both named Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton in the mix as well. The Italian has been a force in Newcastle’s midfield, but is more of a forward thinking, box to box player than would likely be required to fill Casemiro’s boots. Wharton fits that bill, but would be another pricey option given his contract with Crystal Palace and considerations from other Premier League clubs.
United have also been named in the mix for Bruno Guimaraes, but those rumors were somewhat undercut by Nathan Salt in his recent report for the Mail, claiming that Newcastle would like to keep him if possible.
Finally, the usual suspects from the summer of Carlos Baleba and Joao Gomes have been floated around again, with the former remaining a popular name from those close with the club’s decision makers. He isn’t having the best season at Brighton & Hove Albion, but he is still a young talent with a lot of football ahead of him.
Full Backs in Focus
United also have questions at both right and left back roles. Luke Shaw has been healthy for most of this campaign, but isn’t able to offer the same versatility that made him undroppable in past seasons.
Newcastle are once again in the conversation here, with recent England call-up Lewis Hall linked to the Reds, along with Eintracht Frankfurt left back Nathaniel Brown.
Patrick Dorgu’s return will offer another option on the left, but at this point, it seems pretty clear that his best football is played in the attacking third of the pitch. Dorgu offers the width and overlapping option on the left wing, but he hasn’t had the same defensive acumen as Shaw. His eye for goal in December and January may also prompt interim boss Michael Carrick to return him to the front three and see what else he is capable of when he’s not crossing to Benjamin Sesko or scoring golazos.
