Manchester United have now reportedly sent scouts to keep a close eye on a replacement for Elliott Anderson, who manager Ruben Amorim once described as a “natural leader”.
Roy Keane slams ‘schoolboy’ Manchester United star after West Ham draw
Just when it looked like Man United were making progress, the Red Devils suffered further frustration. This time it was West Ham United who made the most of their advantage and snatched a point at Old Trafford thanks to Sungutu Magassa’s late equalizer.
Ruben Amorim’s side now have one win in five games, with club legend Roy Keane unable to contain his criticism after the draw with West Ham.
“When you look at the team, given the money spent, there is a lack of depth, especially offensively.
“As I was leaving the game, I remember when Mason Mount came on. Some players take a while to get up to speed, but he was like a primary school kid.
“You want players who can come in with presence. If anything, they brought United down to a level. That seemed to be the case tonight.”
This was also a game in which United were unable to display their attacking power, as manager Keane questioned midfielder Mount, who made a cameo appearance from the bench.
This isn’t the first time Amorim’s midfield has been questioned, and it certainly won’t be the last. Having strengthened its front lines in the summer, INEOS is well aware that reinforcements in that area should be next on its priority list.
18 ball lost: Amorim must ruthlessly overestimate the bench 5/10 Manchester United Man
The Manchester United ace struggled in a 1-1 draw at home to West Ham.
That’s why names like Elliott Anderson and Adam Wharton have been floated as targets for 2026. The former has quickly become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League, with United also keen to sign him.
But the Nottingham Forest star is not the only player on the shortlist. Instead, they were able to have a reunion between Morten Yurmand and Amorim.
Manchester United continue to monitor Yurmand
According to Caught Offside, Manchester United scouts are currently keeping a close eye on Yurmand in case they miss out on both Anderson and Wharton. The Sporting CP star is worth £50m and would be a cheaper alternative to Anderson, and someone Amorim knows well from his time in Lisbon.
League statistics 25/26 | conductor | anderson |
|---|---|---|
minutes | 1,067 | 1,260 |
progressive path | 91 | 119 |
tackle win | 16 | 20 |
ball collection | 79 | 115 |
Amorim was quick to describe Yulmando as a “great player” for Sporting, but there is no denying that Anderson should remain Man United’s top option.
The Nottingham Forest star has statistically dominated the Dane so far this season, drawing similar comparisons to many stars in the Premier League.
His acquisition won’t come cheap and United will have to overcome the hurdles of competition from the likes of Manchester City, but INEOS must do everything they can to land the England international in 2026. If the Red Devils are to rise to prominence again, they cannot settle for second place.
