Man Utd in talks for “one of the best CMs in Europe”

After the recent third-placed finish in the Premier League, the upcoming transfer window is crucial for Manchester United in their hopes of battling for title glory.

Michael Carrick has been rewarded with a new two-year contract at Old Trafford after his temporary stint, but the real pressure will be on the 44-year-old in 2026/27.

The Red Devils supporters will certainly be excited about the future under the former first-team star after only losing two of his 17 league games after replacing Ruben Amorim.

However, if he is to close the gap to the likes of Manchester City and champions Arsenal, he will need backing from INEOS during the transfer window.

With central midfielder Ederson already set to arrive in Manchester, added reinforcements are still expected, with a host of other talents still appearing on their radar.

Man Utd enter talks to sign leading European talent

Ederson has already put pen to paper on a switch to join United this summer, but Carrick’s men are still on the hunt for added midfield additions ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson remains a key transfer target, but rivals Manchester City are also said to be extremely keen on securing his signature.

The Red Devils are said to be put off by the current £115m asking price at present, which has seen numerous other players emerge on the hierarchy’s shortlist.

Barcelona star Marc Casado has been named as the club’s latest transfer target, after he was allowed to explore a move away from the Nou Camp this term.

According to TEAMtalk, United have been in talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a move to Old Trafford when the window opens next week.

The report also states that Monaco are trying to advance a deal for the 22-year-old, which could result in a potential transfer battle in the months ahead.

He could be available for as little as €25m (£20m) this summer, which could see Carrick’s men secure a bargain transfer for a player who has the potential to become world-class.

Why Casado would be Carrick’s own Anderson at United

United’s interest in Anderson has been ongoing over recent months and, unsurprisingly so, given his tremendous form in the Premier League at Forest this term.

The 23-year-old has been a phenomenal all-round midfield talent for Vitor Pereira’s side, subsequently winning possession back 96 times more than the next best ball-winner.

He’s also made the most progressive passes in the Forest squad, with his tally of 288 during 2025/26 ranking him within the top 5% of all players in England’s top-flight.

Anderson’s recent audition at Old Trafford will only have fuelled the Red Devils’ interest in the youngster – subsequently laying on two assists during the 3-2 defeat to Carrick’s men.

His talent has undoubtedly been evident, but there’s no denying that the only sticking point within any potential transfer to Manchester is the current asking price.

As a result, other talented midfielders are currently being drawn up by INEOS, ultimately resulting in Casado being named as one possible alternative this window.

The Spaniard, who’s a product of Barcelona’s iconic La Masia academy, has racked up 75 senior appearances for the Spanish giants – but has fallen down the pecking order in recent months.

He only started 10 games for Hansi Flick’s men in LaLiga this campaign, but still managed to catch the eye with and without the ball – producing some stats extremely similar to those of Anderson.

Casado managed to complete 91% of the passes he attempted in Spain’s top-flight, whilst also creating an impressive 1.3 chances for his teammates per 90.

Both of the aforementioned figures rank him in the top 15% of midfielders in LaLiga, subsequently highlighting his talent with the ball at his feet – just like Anderson.

However, without the ball, the 22-year-old talent has also demonstrated his qualities, as seen by his tally of 3.8 ball recoveries and 1.7 tackles made per 90.

Casado’s all round nature has seen him be the subject of huge praise in recent months, as analyst Neal Gardner labelled him as “one of the best midfielders in Europe.”

The Spaniard also has key experience in the Champions League despite his tender age – subsequently making 19 appearances in such a competition, with Anderson yet to feature in Europe’s biggest club tournament.

£20m for a player for Casado’s quality could prove to be a shrewd piece of business for Carrick’s men – especially considering the fee needed to secure Anderson’s signature.

The Barca star may not be the supporters’ first choice ahead of the summer, but he could prove to be an underrated addition in the Red Devils’ hunt for domestic and continental success.