Manchester United will have a huge hole to fill in their midfield come this summer. It has already been announced that Casemiro will be departing at the end of the season when his contract expires, and United are already exploring the market for a long-term replacement. One of United's prime targets is reportedly Elliot Anderson, but reports say that Man City are also exploring a move for the midfielder.
Casemiro has found a new lease on life in recent months. He has been a crucial piece of United's team this season, and his performances have only improved with the removal of Ruben Amorim as head coach and the hiring of Michael Carrick.
His departure will leave a massive hole in the side, in both ability and leadership. Casemiro has excellent ball-winning abilities, clearing up loose balls and recycling play. But perhaps his most important contribution to the team this season has been his talent for set-piece goals, helping United to having the best set-piece record in the league.
Replacing Casemiro will take a huge amount of work, and a huge amount of money. United have been linked to multiple players in midfield, including Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton. Anderson himself is expected to cost upwards of £100m, especially if Nottingham Forest survive relegation. Unfortunately, this is where City have the advantage.
Man United need to beat Man City in the race for Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson is the perfect replacement for Casemiro because he ticks so many of the boxes United need. He's a quality ball-winner, but also a fantastic advancer of the ball. He also looks fantastic in the data: he ranks highly in the league for progressive passes and line-breaking passes.
Adam Wharton might be a fantastic progressor of play, but he can't replace Casemiro's defensive work, or compliment Mainoo and cover his weaknesses quite like Casemiro does. Carlos Baleba might replace Casemiro's defensive work, but can't progress the ball as much as United need him to. Anderson is a perfect mix of both.
But Anderson currently looks to be in the sights of Manchester City. Nottingham Forest will presumably not let Anderson go without a fight, and it's City who will best equipped to cough up the huge fee.
The best way for United to level the playing field is to qualify for the Champions League. A top 5 finish would make Old Trafford a much more attractive destination, as well as give United much deeper pockets for the coming transfer window.
United need to go all out for Anderson. He is a player that can form a building block of United's side for the next decade, and would suit United's transfer policy of signing young and Premier League proven players. Capturing him would be a huge victory, and losing out on him could haunt United for years. United have to go all in.