- Manchester United legend names his Casemiro replacement
- Says Elliot Anderson is the best option
- Who else does Robson like?
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has said his first choice replacement for the departing Casemiro would be Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
One of the standout players in the Premier League this season, Anderson has excelled at Forest despite the Europa League side being in a relegation dog fight.
With Casemiro set to depart when his contract runs out on 30 June, and Manuel Ugarte simply not able to cut it at the highest level, United need to bring in heavy reinforcements for the 2026/27 campaign.
United are looking at bringing in at least two midfielders—possibly three—with Anderson wedged firmly at the top of the United shortlist.
However, his fine form has attracted the eye of numerous suitors, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich also interested in the English international.
Bryan Robson Wants Anderson
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Robson was asked if he would like Anderson at United:
“Yeah, I would like him he would be my first choice. You’re not going to get [Declan] Rice would be my first choice to come to United.”
Anderson is quickly becoming the most coveted midfielder in the Premier League. He has impressed this season, featuring 42 times across competitions, posting two goals and three assists.
If United were to sign the Forest man, he’d be Casemiro’s replacement. Robson is sad to see the Brazilian go:
“I am disappointed we are going to lose Casemiro because he is a really good player. He reads the game so well, and he is a great passer. The way he turns the ball around the corner into his forwards is really good.”
And whilst Anderson may be Robson’s—and most other fans’—first choice, he also showered praise onto Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
“When people are talking about [Sandro] Tonali, I just can’t understand why Newcastle would allow him to leave.
United currently have a shortlist miles long of potential midfielders who could join the team, with Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton also cropping up in many conversations about midfield reinforcement.
Could United get Anderson?
Anderson, compared to the rest of his midfield rivals, completely dominates. Most notably, he leads the group for forward passes, forward pass percentage, and progressive passes. He also ranks second for ball carrying and possession won, while placing third for key passes.
Even in the area where he does not break into the top three—duels won percentage—he still posts a very respectable 64.8%.
Because of this, however, Anderson becomes a player in high demand. The baseline sits at £80m, but could rise to £100m. There is a belief from the Etihad that the England international has his heart set on the move to the blue side of Manchester.
