The last time that Manchester United kicked off a game of Premier League football, the Artemis II crew still had their feet firmly planted on Earth.
And by the time that the Red Devils commence their return to action against Leeds United on Monday, the crew will have been to the Moon and back.
If that doesn’t sum up life as a Man United fan in the last 12 months, then not much will. But things are on the up. Like Artemis, those at Old Trafford are once again shooting for the stars under Michael Carrick, with Champions League qualification becoming more likely by the week.
So much so that they could be in for an excellent summer transfer window.
How Man Utd could replace Casemiro
With Harry Maguire’s new contract easing concerns over their backline, Man United can now turn their attention back towards replacing Casemiro this summer.
Forget Anderson & Tonali: INEOS have Man Utd’s next Casemiro out on loan
Man Utd’s midfield solution could be a little closer to home.
The revived Brazilian is set to bow out on his terms at Old Trafford – representing just how far he’s come since Jamie Carragher offered him some headline-grabbing advice.
Suddenly, a player who looked far too replaceable may well be difficult to replicate, though that won’t stop Man United from having a good go.
On that front, INEOS have already been linked with moves for both Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson – two players who would be excellent additions.
|
Ball recoveries PL 25/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Elliot Anderson |
257 |
|
Joao Gomes |
160 |
|
Andre |
159 |
|
Adrien Truffert |
159 |
|
Dominik Szoboszlai |
157 |
The latter has been particularly impressive this season and would hand Man United one of the best midfielders that the Premier League has to offer. Alongside the more technical Kobbie Mainoo, Anderson would provide the Red Devils with the ball recovery king that they’ve been seeking.
Alas, with Manchester City still sniffing around, Man United could have no choice but to turn towards a far cheaper version of Anderson in the market and one that their rivals should already be familiar with.
Man Utd begin working on new midfielder move
As reported by the Daily Mail, Man United are now working on a deal to sign Shea Charles from Southampton this summer.
Indeed, they claim that United are one of a number of teams to have sent scouts to watch the Northern Irish midfielder. They are joined by Everton and Scottish club Rangers in their bid to prise him away from the second tier side.
The ex-Man City graduate grabbed the headlines against Arsenal recently – scoring the winning goal to end the Gunners’ treble dreams and secure the Saints’ place in the FA Cup semi-final.
Now, after completing in-person checks, those at Old Trafford could make their move for the £20m-rated midfielder in an attempt to sign their own Anderson.
It’s easy to see where the Anderson comparison can be made, too. The Nottingham Forest star is one of the best line-breakers in the Premier League – a trait that Como scout Ben Mattinson praised Charles for showcasing during his time at Man City.
Meanwhile, Mattinson also claimed that Charles has the “physicality to boss senior football”, something that Anderson has been doing at the top level for the last two years.
|
25/26 league stats P90 |
Anderson |
Charles |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,774 |
1,673 |
|
Duels Won |
8.24 |
6.67 |
|
Tackles |
2.92 |
2.26 |
|
Recoveries |
8.4 |
5.49 |
|
Chances Created |
1.56 |
1.24 |
Statistically speaking, Charles hasn’t been a world away from Anderson’s level this season. If INEOS are looking to save splashing out on one of the biggest deals of the summer, they could welcome the Southampton man with open arms.
Signing the 22-year-old would also get one over on Man City, who let their academy graduate leave without much of a sniff at first-team action. Now, as they potentially spend big on Anderson, their rivals could sign their own version of the Forest midfielder who was in Pep Guardiola’s grasp all along.
Charles wouldn’t steal the headlines like others this summer. But, given time, he would prove any doubters wrong and make Old Trafford forget all about Anderson.
Man Utd have agreed to sign a midfielder who can save them millions on Tonali
Manchester United have been strongly linked with Sandro Tonali in recent weeks.