11 duels won, 6 recoveries: Man Utd must sign £75m star to replace Casemiro after dazzling display

Manchester United are poised to sign a new defensive midfielder during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have already confirmed Casemiro’s upcoming departure. The Brazilian star will formally leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

United are expected to pursue a marquee replacement during the summer, and it has already been reported that Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is a prime target.

The Englishman is likewise on the radar of Manchester City and could be available for £75 million.

In our view, it appears a no-brainer decision for the Red Devils to recruit him. He showed his big-game potential with a masterclass performance in the 2-2 Premier League draw at Man City last night.

The 23-year-old won an impressive 11 ground and aerial duels at the Etihad Stadium alongside six ball recoveries. He registered four tackles with one interception and two clearances.

The Newcastle United graduate was also good with his distribution, completing 87 percent of his passes. He capped his performance with a sublime curling goal from outside the box to equalise (2-2).

Forest have endured a tough league campaign and have spent most of the season in a relegation tussle. Despite this, Anderson has remained hugely consistent, delivering top-class displays.

His latest performance will have caught the eye of City and manager Pep Guardiola, and United must be proactive to secure his signature ahead of their arch-rivals this summer.

Champions League football could be vital in the player’s final decision. United are currently third in the league standings with 51 points and on course to secure a berth next season.

United may have to sort out a transfer before the summer World Cup. They could have an edge over Man City, considering the Cityzens may not guarantee him a starting position.

Anderson could play as a deputy to Rodri and occasionally start together, depending on the opposition.

In comparison, he could make the number six position his own at United with Casemiro’s free transfer, given that Manuel Ugarte has not done enough to warrant a starting role.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .