Manchester United have big minutes ahead of them in the coming weeks, with the leaders having to make big decisions about who will lead the club’s forwards for the remainder of the 205/26 season.
The Red Devils’ board held talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick over a deal that would see him take charge again until the end of the campaign.
It is expected that one of the aforementioned pair will be in charge of the team for the remainder of the Premier League season, with a view to appointing a new manager in the summer.
However, it is important that the club does not get left behind by some of its rivals, especially as the January transfer window continues over the next few weeks.
Despite not currently having a manager, this hierarchy has already begun implementing a number of ventures that could lead to long-term success.
Manchester United make £100m star player their biggest transfer target
RB Leipzig forward Yann Diomande has been a target for United in recent weeks, with the attacker putting up incredible numbers so far this season.
The Ivorian international has already scored six goals in his first 14 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, and Liverpool are just one of the teams keen on signing him.
However, this deal is likely to be expensive for any interested party, as his current employers are demanding a fee in the region of £80 million for his services.
He is not the only big-money player they are eyeing at the moment, as Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson has once again emerged as a target for the Red Devils.
According to TEAMtalk, the 23-year-old remains the club’s number one option in midfield, but a deal is likely to take place in the summer.
The report also states that Sean Dyche’s men could demand a fee of up to around £100m for his services, which would make him the club’s biggest-ever signing.
However, the paper also claims that Manchester City are firmly in the race to sign the England international, with Josep Guardiola’s side already in touch about a move.
Why Anderson is the perfect match for United’s Bruno
During Ruben Amorim’s tenure as manager, club captain Bruno Fernandes was often forced into a deeper No. 8 role than his accustomed No. 10 position.
His record total of 37 goals and assists in 2024/25 won’t go away, but it certainly has had an impact on the club’s attacking department.
The 31-year-old has long been the Red Devils’ main talisman within the final third and the Portuguese international will need to play a more advanced role.
Bruno was used in his natural position in each of Darren Fletcher’s two games in interim charge, and he went on to record an assist in both games.
However, a deal for Anderson would allow the captain to play in such a position permanently, with the Forest star able to replace him in the number eight role.
The Englishman has been one of the division’s best orchestrators so far this season and his statistics for the 2025-26 season reflect his abilities at both ends of the pitch.
His ability without the ball gives the first-team squad the defensive solidity they sorely needed, while also having the tools to give Bruno the ammunition he needs to succeed.
Dubbed “world class” by Statman Dave, Anderson displayed his talent even without the ball, making 2.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per 90.
He also managed 1.9 blocks per 90 and won 1.5 aerial duels, further reaffirming his incredible dominance when trying to confuse opponents in the Premier League.
Elliott Anderson – PL statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 20 |
goals and assists | 3 |
Pass accuracy | 82% |
progressive path | 8.4 |
advance to the final third | 8.1 |
key pass | 1.5 |
successful take-up | 1.3 |
The tackle I made | 2.7 |
blocks made | 1.9 |
Number of intercepts | 1.2 |
Statistics by FBref | |
But he’s equally impressive in possession, as evidenced by his impressive 8.1 passes into the final third of the pitch per 90.
So far, no other player in this division has registered more, so numbers like this help Bruno create even more chances for himself and his teammates.
Anderson also completes 82% of the passes he attempts and completes 1.3 take-ons per 90 attempts. This number makes him a perfect box-to-box option.
£100m is a huge sum for an England international, but it is a move that will ensure the club has a new No. 8 for at least the next 10 years.
Given the interest from rivals Manchester City, the bosses must act quickly to secure his services so the team can reach the next level under the new manager’s guidance.
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