Manchester United have been searching for a new central midfielder for years, with Elliot Anderson now looking the most likely to join.
Manchester United require new talent across the pitch, especially if they are now to switch back to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system following the dismissal of Rúben Amorim who, of course, favoured a 3-4-2-1 shape.
Darren Fletcher reverted to a four-man defence against Burnley on Wednesday evening. The former Scotland midfielder took charge of the squad alongside under-21s boss Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans, but could only lead United to a 2-2 draw, despite a good performance.
One of the main issues under Amorim was the huge gaps in central midfield. While this wasn’t as big a problem for Fletcher, the need for a new man in the engine room remains prevalent. Casemiro lost his man for Burnley’s opening goal, which took an unfortunate deflection off Ayden Heaven.
A positive from the game was the return of Kobbie Mainoo; in the lead up to the Brighton match, Fletcher had much to say of Mainoo: “He’s in a good place, he’s comfortable with us and this environment. He’s trained well and I think he’s in a good place.”
However, to get the best out of Mainoo, and any of United’s creative midfielders for that matter, they need a new central midfielder. Thankfully, they have now been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson.
Ornstein hands United Anderson boost
Elliot Anderson appears to be United’s main target for central midfield, but there have also been strong links to Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder has been among the best players in the Premier League this season, leading to interest from almost all of the top clubs. Arsenal, however, have now been confirmed not to be in the race.
On the Anderson race, Ornstein told The Athletic: “All the top clubs like him and most of them will be in the mix.
“Maybe with the exception of Arsenal, they’re the ones who have a full midfield.” The likes of Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi make Anderson’s addition unnecessary, allowing United to lead the race for the England international.
Arsenal’s exclusion could hand United the boost they need to win the race for Anderson, although they will need to qualify for the Champions League if they want a real chance.
Interim choice will prove crucial
Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solsjkær appear to be the favourites for the interim job at Old Trafford, while Ruud van Nistelrooy’s name has also been mentioned, as has the possibility of Fletcher staying in charge until the end of the campaign.
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Whoever is given the job must give United the best possibility of qualifying for European football next season; otherwise, they could miss out on several big targets in the summer window.
Anderson, Baleba and Wharton will all want to make the step up to the Champions League and won’t settle for a season without any European football, especially if they have interest from other Premier League sides.
If Jason Wilcox makes the wrong decision on who should lead United for the rest of the season, the INEOS rebuild could be set back several years, as it already has been with Amorim’s dismissal.
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