Manchester United are expected to focus on strengthening their midfield this summer.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s departures will also reduce their central midfield options, making reinforcements necessary.
Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is considered a top target, but United face competition from rivals Manchester City.
City are said to be leading the race for Anderson — who has been described as ‘one of the best midfielders in the Premier League‘ — casting doubts over a move to the Red Devils.
That said, legend Paul Scholes believes Anderson will be a perfect fit for United, naming him in his dream midfield next season.
He told talkSPORT: “I really liked him when I was at Newcastle. Newcastle had to sell him, didn’t they, with the PSR and that kind of stuff. But yeah, what I’ve seen of him has been nothing short of brilliant, really.
“What he’s done for Forest has really been great. He’s still got to go to that next level and he’s done it with England.
“England games are very hard to gauge really because I don’t think they’re playing the best competition until they get to the World Cup.
“When bigger games come, then we’ll get a better idea and he will still have to test himself in the Champions League. But he looks to me like he’d be able to handle it. Absolutely no problem.
“But as I say, I think one or two will be needed, not just the one.
“But Anderson and Mainoo, I think I’d be happy with that for the start of next season.”
Mainoo and Anderson played together for the first time during England’s 1-0 defeat to Japan in March at Wembley. The pair could line up again with each other at this summer’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, United are exploring several other targets should they fail to sign the Newcastle United academy graduate.
The Mancunian giants hold a firm interest in Atalanta’s Ederson, but have yet to reach personal terms with him, contrary to reports suggesting otherwise.
United have also reignited their interest in Aurelien Tchouameni. They were linked with the French star before his move to Real Madrid in 2022.
