Forget Guimaraes and Tonali – Manchester United urged to sign in-demand £80M star
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has reportedly urged the club to prioritise a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson ahead of high-profile Newcastle United stars Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali this summer, as debate intensifies over United’s midfield rebuild plans.
According to reports from icfootballnews sources, Ferdinand believes Anderson represents the ideal long-term profile for Manchester United’s evolving squad, favouring youth, energy and tactical balance over established Premier League names. His stance continues a consistent theme in recent commentary, where he has repeatedly highlighted Anderson as a standout option for the Red Devils’ midfield overhaul.
Ferdinand’s argument is understood to centre on Anderson’s age profile and playing style. The former United defender has previously described the 23-year-old as “young, hungry and aggressive,” while also stressing that he complements Kobbie Mainoo in a way other midfield targets may not.
Speaking previously on his Rio Ferdinand Presents platform, he explained his reasoning for ranking Anderson above both Guimarães and Tonali:‘Beginning of the season everyone was talking about [Carlos] Baleba, he seems to have gone off the boil a little bit form wise,’ Ferdinand said.
‘Elliot Anderson, he seems to have jumped to the front of the queue. I think he’s a wonderful player. I think Elliot Anderson is the right type not only of player but character, I thin he’d be a good addition to the squad.
‘Tonali is a big talent that everyone is talking about, Guimaraes is another big talent that everyone is talking about, but I just think the type of midfielder United need is somebody who is a bit more all-action, who can cover ground, who is dynamic, who is robust, strong, who can drive a team.
‘Right now Anderson seems to be ticking those boxes. But I think there are a few other young guns out there who I won’t mention their names yet because I don’t want anyone else to get on that scent.’
Sandro Tonali, in particular, remains firmly on Manchester United’s radar, with reports suggesting he is open to remaining in the Premier League amid interest from top clubs. Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson is also believed to be under serious consideration, with both Manchester United and Manchester City monitoring his situation ahead of the summer window.
Bruno Guimarães, long admired at Old Trafford, is also expected to attract attention again, though his importance to Newcastle means any deal would likely require a significant fee and complex negotiations.
Sources close to United’s planning suggest the club’s final shortlist is still evolving, but midfield remains a clear priority heading into the summer window, with at least one major signing expected.
As things stand, Anderson, Guimarães and Tonali all remain under consideration — but Ferdinand’s backing of the Forest midfielder has added a fresh layer to an already competitive transfer race, as United weigh up experience versus long-term potential in shaping their next midfield core.
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