After the recent third-placed finish in the Premier League<\/a>, the upcoming transfer window is crucial for Manchester United<\/a> in their hopes of battling for title glory.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Michael Carrick<\/a> has been rewarded with a new two-year contract at Old Trafford after his temporary stint, but the real pressure will be on the 44-year-old in 2026\/27.<\/p>\n The Red Devils supporters will certainly be excited about the future under the former first-team star after only losing two of his 17 league games after replacing Ruben Amorim.<\/p>\n However, if he is to close the gap to the likes of Manchester City and champions Arsenal, he will need backing from INEOS during the transfer window.<\/p>\n With central midfielder Ederson already set to arrive in Manchester, added reinforcements are still expected, with a host of other talents still appearing on their radar.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ederson has already put pen to paper on a switch to join United this summer, but Carrick\u2019s men are still on the hunt for added midfield additions ahead of the 2026\/27 campaign.<\/p>\n Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson<\/a> remains a key transfer target, but rivals Manchester City are also said to be extremely keen on securing his signature.<\/p>\n The Red Devils are said to be put off by the current \u00a3115m asking price at present<\/a>, which has seen numerous other players emerge on the hierarchy\u2019s shortlist.<\/p>\n Barcelona star Marc Casado has been named as the club\u2019s latest transfer target, after he was allowed to explore a move away from the Nou Camp this term.<\/p>\n According to TEAMtalk, United have been in talks with the player\u2019s representatives<\/a> over the possibility of a move to Old Trafford when the window opens next week.<\/p>\n The report also states that Monaco are trying to advance a deal for the 22-year-old, which could result in a potential transfer battle in the months ahead.<\/p>\n He could be available for as little as \u20ac25m (\u00a320m) this summer, which could see Carrick\u2019s men secure a bargain transfer for a player who has the potential to become world-class.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n United\u2019s interest in Anderson has been ongoing over recent months and, unsurprisingly so, given his tremendous form in the Premier League at Forest this term.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old has been a phenomenal all-round midfield talent for Vitor Pereira\u2019s side, subsequently winning possession back 96 times more than the next best ball-winner.<\/p>\n He\u2019s also made the most progressive passes in the Forest squad, with his tally of 288 during 2025\/26 ranking him within the top 5% of all players in England\u2019s top-flight.<\/p>\n Anderson\u2019s recent audition at Old Trafford will only have fuelled the Red Devils\u2019 interest in the youngster – subsequently laying on two assists during the 3-2 defeat to Carrick\u2019s men.<\/p>\n Elliot Anderson vs Man Utd<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n Statistics<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n Touches<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 110<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Accurate passes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 71\/80 (89%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Assists<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Key passes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Accurate crosses<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 4\/5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Fouled<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 3x<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Carries<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 28<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Defensive contributions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Duels won<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 9\/15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n His talent has undoubtedly been evident, but there\u2019s no denying that the only sticking point within any potential transfer to Manchester is the current asking price.<\/p>\n As a result, other talented midfielders are currently being drawn up by INEOS, ultimately resulting in Casado being named as one possible alternative this window.<\/p>\n The Spaniard, who\u2019s a product of Barcelona\u2019s iconic La Masia academy, has racked up 75 senior appearances for the Spanish giants – but has fallen down the pecking order in recent months.<\/p>\n He only started 10 games for Hansi Flick\u2019s men in LaLiga this campaign, but still managed to catch the eye with and without the ball – producing some stats extremely similar to those of Anderson.<\/p>\n Casado managed to complete 91% of the passes he attempted in Spain\u2019s top-flight, whilst also creating an impressive 1.3 chances for his teammates per 90.<\/p>\n Both of the aforementioned figures rank him in the top 15% of midfielders in LaLiga, subsequently highlighting his talent with the ball at his feet – just like Anderson.<\/p>\n However, without the ball, the 22-year-old talent has also demonstrated his qualities, as seen by his tally of 3.8 ball recoveries and 1.7 tackles made per 90.<\/p>\n Casado\u2019s all round nature has seen him be the subject of huge praise in recent months, as analyst Neal Gardner labelled him as \u201cone of the best midfielders in Europe<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n The Spaniard also has key experience in the Champions League despite his tender age – subsequently making 19 appearances in such a competition, with Anderson yet to feature in Europe\u2019s biggest club tournament.<\/p>\n \u00a320m for a player for Casado\u2019s quality could prove to be a shrewd piece of business for Carrick\u2019s men – especially considering the fee needed to secure Anderson\u2019s signature.<\/p>\n The Barca star may not be the supporters\u2019 first choice ahead of the summer, but he could prove to be an underrated addition in the Red Devils\u2019 hunt for domestic and continental success.<\/p>\n\n Man Utd enter talks to sign leading European talent<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n![\"Elliot-Anderson-Nottingham-Forest\"](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/elliot-anderson-nottingham-forest.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Why Casado would be Carrick\u2019s own Anderson at United<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n![\"Elliot-Anderson\"](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/elliot-anderson.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
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\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"FC](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/fc-barcelona-s-dani-olmo-celebrates-scoring-their-third-goal-with-fermin-lopez-and-marc-casado.JPG?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
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