Former Red Devils stalwart Bryan Robson has thrown his weight behind Elliot Anderson to become Manchester United’s next midfield general – declaring the Nottingham Forest star his “first choice” to replace Casemiro.
With Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford decided in January, attention has turned to potential successors, and Anderson’s name is rapidly climbing the list.
The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout performers since his £35 million move from Nottingham Forest to Newcastle United in July 2024.
After a difficult exit from St James’ Park due to PSR issues, Anderson has flourished, going from strength to strength over the last two seasons.
At Forest, he has made nearly 100 appearances, contributing four goals and nine assists, while attracting interest from top clubs including Manchester United and Manchester City.
And Robson, a fellow North East compatriot to Anderson, and a Manchester United icon, believes he has exactly what it takes to run the midfield at the Theatre of Dreams.
“Gazza (Paul Gascoigne) was born four miles up the road from me. If Anderson gets a mixture between me and Gazza, then we’re happy – if he comes to Manchester United,” Robson said on the latest edition of Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, in partnership with BOYLE Sports.
“He would be my first choice because you’re not going to get Declan Rice, but Anderson would be my first choice to come to Manchester United.”
It’s a bold statement – especially with Declan Rice widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe – but one that underlines just how highly Anderson is now rated.
While Manchester United weigh up their midfield options, Robson touched on the speculation surrounding Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
“When people are talking about Tonali, I just can’t understand why Newcastle would allow him to leave,” he said.
“There’s got to be somebody out there in Europe, South America, maybe a Brazilian or Argentinian, who’s a really good player. There’s always great players from that side of the world, so the scouts have got to be doing their job when you’re replacing them.”
Robson’s comments highlight a wider issue around recruitment – something he believes needs to be perfect for the Red Devils in the summer.
“That’s not what we’ve been good with over the last few years, until last summer when we got some really good players in. The scouting has got to be better to help the manager.”
And while the permanent manager has not yet been confirmed for next season, Robson believes interim boss Michael Carrick is close to being in the dugout for the foreseeable future.
“I think if Michael gets us in the Champions League, they should give him the job – he deserves it. From where we were when he came in, people are getting carried away saying ‘if only he gets third place he should get it,’ but for me, as long as he gets us in the Champions League, he should get the job.”
Manchester United’s return to action on Monday night from the international break ended in frustration as Leeds United claimed a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
A red card for Lisandro Martinez – sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair – capped off a miserable evening, although Casemiro did find himself on the scoresheet with a consolation.
The defeat leaves United in third, locked on 55 points with Aston Villa in the race for Champions League qualification. Liverpool are closing in behind on 52 points, but Carrick’s side have seven points of comfort ahead of Chelsea in sixth.
