Elliot Anderson is a man who has grown into a household name among Premier League supporters.
The 23-year-old is regarded as one of the finest midfield operators in the game and has established a considerable standing for both club and country, attracting widespread interest across Europe.
At the head of a long list of suitors stands both of Manchester’s Premier outfits.
City have seen a verbal offer worth potentially £120 million rejected after an initial bid of around £85m was immediately disregarded.
Undeterred, Nottingham Forest are demanding a guaranteed British record before considering bonuses or add-ons, despite this latest attempt eclipsing the £105m that Arsenal paid for Declan Rice.
Michael Carrick has been chosen to spearhead an Ineos-led charge at United, and has already offered his input about suitable reinforcements. Unsurprisingly, Anderson is a primary name.
Nonetheless, this United squad has many gaps that need attention. Although a player of this calibre could add significant quality, the transfer war chest is not endless.
And while some desire an immediate return to the glory days at Old Trafford, practical thinking is required in moments that could alter an upcoming season and beyond.
Elliot Anderson is a brilliant player, but he should not require convincing to join Manchester United.
Even as I write this, I find myself shaking my head. Surely this is a sentiment shared amongst the fanbase?
The 20-time English champions may have fallen from grace under the neglect of an idle American ownership, but they are still the biggest club in the Premier League.
Say what you will about present-day standing, but the manufactured success of others will never overshadow the history and sensation of a capacity Theatre of Dreams.
But Anderson, for all of his maturity on the field, is a young man. He has witnessed a Glazer-led football club endure perennial struggles.
All the while, Pep Guardiola has taken the 2001–02 Championship winners to the Champions League with a little help from his friends.
With the ramifications of the Spaniards’ departure currently unknown, Khaldoon Al Mubarak is determined to reinforce City’s squad and is not afraid to continue spending significant sums.
Anderson appears to favour this project, and that alone should supply sufficient reasoning to close the book.
Correctly, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox have chosen to focus their efforts on players who want to join Manchester United.
While some express frustration over moving on from Anderson, logic supports prioritising those who are fully committed to United’s project.
All you need to do is revisit the multi-million-pound packages for Angel Di Maria and Paul Pogba to understand the dangers of luring footballers for money over anything else.
Mateus Fernandes is now, and has been for some time, a significant option of interest at M16. He wants to join Carrick’s squad, and at 21, has much to offer immediately and in the future.
Anderson is a phenomenal talent, that goes without saying. But little is ever guaranteed in football.
One thing that is an absolute certainty is that teams that do not employ the Englishman next season will still challenge for honours domestically and on the continent.
As I have previously stated, recruitment must consider essential criteria above all else: character, a desire to play for the football club and then ability.
Anybody asking for an alternative thought process does not have United’s drive for success in mind.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels–photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com.
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