Manchester United Set Sights on Nottingham Forest Midfielder as Summer Priority to Fill Casemiro Void

Manchester United have zeroed in on their top choice to bolster the midfield ranks when the transfer window reopens this summer, with the club keen to address the impending departure of Casemiro.

Having abstained from winter reinforcements, the Old Trafford hierarchy remain active in their recruitment planning. The club splashed out approximately £230m on summer additions, bringing in Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to sharpen their attacking edge and secure a new number one between the sticks.

Michael Carrick's side benefited from those investments, yet gaps remain—none more pressing than the need for a long-term successor to Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign.

United made a determined push for Brighton's Carlos Baleba during the off-season but found themselves priced out by the £100m valuation placed on the midfielder. However, the pursuit hasn't ended there.

According to reports, Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest has emerged as United's preferred option, with Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba also attracting significant interest. The Athletic claims all three are "hugely admired," but the Forest and England midfielder sits atop the wish list.

The club are also eyeing a second midfield recruit, with Manuel Ugarte's future remaining uncertain, while a left-wing addition could feature in summer planning. Discussions with Antoine Semenyo revealed he would operate as a left winger in Amorim's 4-3-3 system rather than as a wing-back.

Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are unlikely to entertain departures mid-season, though attitudes are expected to soften once summer arrives.

The Anderson pursuit won't prove straightforward, however. Manchester City are circling with genuine interest, and according to reports, the midfielder is destined for Manchester—though which shade of blue remains to be determined.

Teddy Sheringham, the former United striker, has made his case for why the club should prioritise such acquisitions. "Manchester United need to sign players who are going to make a difference," he explained. "Adam Wharton is exactly that type of player. He's broken through into the England setup at a young age alongside the likes of Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White—these are players hungry to prove themselves and elevate their clubs.

"Crystal Palace are an odd case; they don't receive the recognition they merit, especially after winning the FA Cup last season. Wharton sometimes gets overlooked, but he's precisely the calibre of talent United should be targeting."