For Manchester United, who have just finished third in the Premier League, the upcoming transfer window will be crucial if they are to fight for title glory.
Michael Carrick has been handed a new two-year deal at Old Trafford after a temporary stint, but the real pressure will be on the 44-year-old in 2026/27.
Red Devils supporters will no doubt be excited about the future under the former first-team star, who has only lost two of 17 league games since replacing Ruben Amorim.
However, they will need support from INEOS during the transfer window if they are to close the gap with the likes of Manchester City and champions Arsenal.
Further reinforcements are still expected, with central midfielder Ederson already scheduled to arrive in Manchester, and a number of other talents remain on the radar.
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Ederson has already made the switch to join United this summer, but Carrick’s side are still looking for midfield reinforcements for the 2026-27 season.
Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson remains a key transfer target, with rivals Manchester City also said to be very keen on signing him.
The Red Devils are said to be hesitant about the current asking price of £115m, with a number of other players on their shortlist in the hierarchy.
Barcelona star Marc Casado has been named as the club’s latest transfer target after being allowed to explore a move away from Camp Nou this season.
According to TEAMtalk, United are in talks with the player’s agent over a potential move to Old Trafford in time for next week’s season opener.
The report also claims that Monaco are seeking to advance negotiations for the 22-year-old, which could lead to a transfer dispute in the coming months.
He could be available for at least €25m (about £20m) this summer, meaning Carrick’s side could land a potentially world-class player on the cheap.
Why Casado becomes Carrick’s Anderson at United
United’s interest in Anderson has continued in recent months and is no surprise given his impressive performances in the Premier League for Forest this season.
The 23-year-old was an incredible all-round talent in midfield for Vitor Pereira’s side, going on to win the ball back 96 times more than the next best ball-carrier.
He is also the most progressive passer in Forest’s squad, with his 288 passes in 2025/26 ranking him in the top 5% of all players in England’s top flight.
Anderson’s recent audition at Old Trafford is likely to further fuel the Red Devils’ interest in the youngster. He then recorded two assists in a 3-2 loss to Carrick’s team.
Elliott Anderson vs Man United | |
|---|---|
statistics | tally |
touch | 110 |
exact path | 71/80 (89%) |
assist | 2 |
key pass | 3 |
accurate cross | 4/5 |
There is a foul | 3 times |
carry | 28 |
Contribution in defense | 11 |
won a duel | 9/15 |
His talent is undeniable, but there’s no denying that the only sticking point in a potential move to Manchester is his current asking price.
As a result, INEOS are currently poaching other talented midfielders, with Casado eventually being mentioned as one of the options for this period.
The Spaniard, a product of Barcelona’s iconic La Masia academy, has made 75 first-team appearances for the Spanish giants but has fallen down the pecking order in recent months.
Although he has started just 10 games for Hansi Flick’s side in La Liga this season, he has still managed to attract attention with and without the ball, and has some very similar stats to Andersson.
Casado completed 91% of the passes he attempted in Spain’s top flight, while creating an impressive 1.3 chances per 90 for his teammates.
Both of the aforementioned figures place him in the top 15% of midfielders in La Liga, and, like Andersson, his ability to handle the ball at his feet stands out.
But even without the ball, the 22-year-old’s talent has proven his quality, as evidenced by his 3.8 ball recoveries and 1.7 tackles per 90.
Casado’s all-round personality has been the subject of much praise in recent months, with analyst Neil Gardner labeling him “one of the best midfielders in Europe”.
Despite his young age, the Spaniard has also gained significant experience in the Champions League, where he has since appeared in 19 games, although Andersson is yet to feature in Europe’s biggest club tournament.
£20 million for a player of Casado’s quality could be shrewd business for Carrick’s men, especially considering the fee required to secure Anderson’s signature.
The Barça star may not be supporters’ first choice heading into the summer, but he could be an underrated addition to the Red Devils as they aim for domestic and continental success.
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