Manchester United have made their latest decision on Elliot Anderson after the poor performance against Everton in the Premier League.
On Monday night, Manchester United appeared to take a step back after an impressive run in the Premier League. Despite playing against 10 men for the majority of the game, Rúben Amorim’s side looked toothless and struggled to break down Everton.
While Idrissa Gueye’s red card shocked everyone at Old Trafford, the Everton players seemed to respond well, with United’s looking stunned at what had just happened. Michael Keane and James Garner – former academy players – were two of the better players on the pitch, not forgetting Jordan Pickford, who denied Joshua Zirkzee brilliantly on more than one occasion.
United had been on an excellent run, but Amorim’s side looked more like last season’s team than this year’s. The biggest issue appeared to be moving the ball across the pitch, as Everton could comfortably sit in their defensive shape and stop Amad and Patrick Dorgu from affecting the game in the wide areas.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes – Amorim’s starting central midfielders – struggled to progress the ball up the pitch, due to the lack of movement ahead of them. But, Kobbie Mainoo had more success progressing play, again asking the question: Do United need a new midfielder?
The Red Devils have been eyeing Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, but have yet to come to a firm decision on any midfield target just yet. However, Andy Mitten has now confirmed United’s feelings on the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
Mitten confirms Anderson love
Anderson has been brilliant for Forest this season, especially when it comes to progressing the ball. He could be an excellent partner for Fernandes, but signing him won’t be easy if United try in the January window.
Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Mitten confirmed United’s love for Anderson. “I mentioned Elliot Anderson a couple of weeks ago,” said the United correspondent. “Absolutely, Manchester United would love to sign him. It is obvious.
“He’s absolutely the player that Manchester United want.”
Later, Mitten compared Anderson to Bryan Robson, in a plea for him to join United: “If you are listening to this, Elliot Anderson, look at what your fellow Geordie Bryan Robson did in 1981. You can join one of the biggest football clubs in the world, and you can be part of their recovery.
“This train is only going to pass once for you, son. Get on the train because you will never, ever regret it.”
Is Anderson the right midfielder for United?
This season, Anderson has reached new heights compared to last season, even in a struggling Nottingham Forest team. The former Newcastle United midfielder is now shining in the England setup as the starting defensive midfielder. However, is he the right midfielder to play next to Fernandes in Amorim’s team?
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The ideal partner for the United captain is a high-energy, defensive-minded player who is capable on the ball. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have both struggled next to Fernandes, but they both lack certain qualities that are needed to play in the United midfield.
Anderson, unlike the Brazilian and Ugarte, is very capable of partnering Fernandes with and without the ball, but he still lacks one crucial quality.
The Forest midfielder stands at just 5’10, meaning Amorim will be losing a huge aerial threat in the midfield. Casemiro’s height is hugely important, especially when Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui are playing in central defence.
Perhaps Jason Wilcox needs to look at replacing Casemiro’s aerial presence in a different position.
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