Michael Carrick Praises Elliot Anderson as Manchester United’s Top Transfer Target
Michael Carrick has expressed his admiration for Elliot Anderson, who is currently seen as Manchester United’s top transfer target. As Nottingham Forest prepare to face Old Trafford on Sunday, the spotlight is on Anderson, with the Red Devils keen to bring him to the club this summer.
United are looking to rebuild their midfield following the departure of Casemiro, and Anderson is viewed as a key figure in that plan. However, the club faces a significant challenge, as Nottingham Forest are expected to demand over £100 million for the England international. Meanwhile, Manchester City are seen as strong contenders for the midfielder’s signature.
Carrick, who also began his career at the Wallsend Boys Club on Tyneside, acknowledged Anderson’s importance to Forest’s success this season. “He’s done well,” he said. “I think he’s a big part of their team. He offers so much and they’ve got a really talented and dangerous team. They’ve had a good season to get to the Europa League semi-finals and just fall short. But you can see obviously he is an important part of their team.”
Potential Midfield Additions
In addition to Anderson, Manchester United could be targeting three midfielders this summer. Names such as Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ederson, Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott, and Tyler Adams are all under consideration.
Farewells and Uncertain Futures
Sunday’s game will also mark the final appearance at Old Trafford for Tyrell Malacia, who is set to leave the club as a free agent. Other players like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Altay Bayindir may also face uncertain futures this summer.
Despite the emotional significance of the occasion, Carrick emphasized the importance of finishing the season strongly and maintaining third place in the Premier League. “It always gets to this stage of the season where there’s a few uncertainties,” he added. “Whatever this situation, however you finish the season, I think there’s always a case of contracts or individual agendas, if you like, or roles. All I can say is we want to finish the season strong.”
Young Talent and Future Plans
Carrick also mentioned that Shea Lacey could feature in the final game against Brighton next week. The teenage winger was sent off during his home debut against Brighton in the FA Cup earlier this year, when United faced a tough period after Carrick took charge.
Lacey will be playing for the Under-21s in the Premier League 2 Play-off Final at Brighton on Saturday night, which means he cannot be in the senior squad for the match against Forest. However, Carrick confirmed that Lacey will be included in his plans for the game at the Amex Stadium.
“It’s something we would love to happen and not so much in terms of getting younger players involved,” Carrick said. “The fact that the Under-21s game is tomorrow night for them, they’ll be heavily involved in that and I think they should be. Then, of course, the week after leading to the Brighton game, we’ll reassess. It’s important we finish strong as well, so we’ve got responsibilities to do that.”
Carrick highlighted the importance of balancing the need to finish the season strongly while also giving younger players opportunities. “We’ve got to get the balance right, but it’s a massive part for me and for this football club to try and bring the younger players on and give them opportunities to see what they can do, for sure.”
