Manchester United await the arrival of Crystal Palace on Sunday, with the feel-good factor surrounding Michael Carrick continuing to build in the North West.
Much has been said about the starring roles of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro throughout his six-game unbeaten spell, with the latter delivering performances reminiscent of his days in Madrid.
Still, with the Brazilians’ future lying elsewhere in a matter of months, midfield acquisitions are a priority target for Ineos this summer.
Elliot Anderson is a name that has generated ample conversation, and the prospect of a Manchester tug-of-war is increasing daily, with Pep Guardiola an admirer of the Nottingham Forest star.
Regardless, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are confident of a defining window to solidify a squad capable of attacking Project 150.
And with multiple names retaining their allure within Old Trafford, who is best placed to provide the winning solution?
Anderson is the desired option for Manchester United.
At 23, Anderson has grown from strength to strength at the heart of midfield with Forest and England.
Such is the nature of his current ability and potential for further advancements that it is easier to name the elite European clubs not positioned to strike for his signature.
Defensive assurity, strength, composure, technical ability, and stamina – just some of the glaring attributes that place the former Newcastle man amongst the finest operators in the modern game.
Wilcox is a fan, with our sources citing both talent and age as key criteria for this Ineos hierarchy.
We’re told that European participation will play a key role in Anderson’s decision this summer, and although United have not put all of their eggs in one basket, the Whitley Bay man is a priority target.
| Elliot Anderson Premier League output | 2024-25 Metrics (Per 90 minutes) | 2025-26 Metrics (Per 90 minutes) |
| Ball recoveries | 6.83 [92nd] | 8.43 [99th] |
| Tackles | 3.04 [80th] | 2.71 [77th] |
| Blocks | 1.58 [80th] | 1.90 [95th] |
| Aerials won | 1.85 [91st] | 1.52 [69th] |
| Progressive carries | 1.72 [69th] | 1.38 [56th] |
Baleba retains his admirers in Manchester.
The allure of Elliot and his growing stock on the continent is undeniable, but Carlos Baleba is a phenomenal talent with an untold ceiling for stardom.
It is well documented that Ineos officials attempted to complete a deal during the final stages of the summer window and were ultimately rebuffed by a determined Brighton board.
Regardless, having turned 22 at the beginning of January, his 83 Premier League appearances offer a brief insight into what any top-tier side would inherit.
His age and midfield profile attracted Christopher Vivell, who shares a common understanding with Berrada and Wilcox.
Similar to his domestic rival in Nottingham, many European suitors are interested in acquiring his services, with his array of defensive mastery viewed as unique and far beyond his years.
Yes, his performances have slumped since the Reds came knocking, but Old Trafford remains as likely a destination today as it was seven months ago.
| Carlos Baleba Premier League output | 2024-25 Metrics (Per 90 minutes) | 2025-26 Metrics (Per 90 minutes) |
| Ball recoveries | 6.66 [91st] | 5.12 [64th] |
| Tackles | 2.67 [70th] | 1.81 [34th] |
| Blocks | 1.59 [80th] | 0.90 [29th] |
| Aerials won | 1.32 [79th] | 1.41 [68th] |
| Progressive carries | 1.45 [58th] | 1.00 [34th] |
Wharton offers Premier League quality beyond his years.
What began as a season of untold potential for Palace has turned into a traumatic campaign for Oliver Glasner.
Nonetheless, Adam Wharton remains a mainstay at the heart of their midfield and continues to earn weekly plaudits.
The 22-year-old offers an alternative form of defensive capabilities to the previous two players, showcasing a remarkable catalogue of playmaking alongside his holding duties.
While he is commendable in various deep-lying metrics, his ball distribution and technical ability shine higher than most.
Admittedly, the prospect of a pairing of Mainoo and Wharton offers the potential for untold footballing grace and a decade or more of central control at the Theatre of Dreams.
Furthermore, you’d have to think that Carrick would work wonders on the duo.
Some may choose to focus on the necessity for a destroyer, similar to Baleba. But United officials view the Palace man as a generational talent who could immediately control the engine room.
| Adam Wharton Premier League output | 2024-25 Metrics (Per 90 minutes) | 2025-26 Metrics (Per 90 minutes) |
| Key passes | 1.78 [81st] | 1.50 [81st] |
| Progressive passes | 7.31 [93rd] | 5.93 [81st] |
| Carries into the final third | 1.57 [72nd] | 1.15 [62nd] |
| Tackles | 2.32 [53rd] | 2.59 [69th] |
| Interceptions | 1.37 [81st] | 1.09 [58th] |
| Clearances | 1.84 [69th] | 1.50 [42nd] |
Gomes should not be ignored in this conversation.
In terms of fitting the profile of a midfield warrior, Joao Gomes ranks amongst the very best in the Premier League.
Bizarrely, some choose to disregard his potential to dominate a Manchester engine room because of the humble surroundings he has had to endure.
But Ineos officials have long valued the former Copa Libertadores winner, and as we exclusively revealed in November, have categorised the Rio native as a player who is ‘ticking the boxes’.
Furthermore, his reduced transfer fee, coupled with his age profile (25), albeit slightly higher than the alternatives, provides more than a hint of a smart deal.
Like those previously mentioned, Gomes has attracted attention at home and abroad, with Napoil and Palace both interested in adding the player to their ranks.
So, if Wilcox and Co. are keen, they will have to move sooner rather than later.
Contrary to the viewpoint about his lack of suitability, he is as close to a mirror replacement of Casemiro as anyone could ask for in 2026.
| Joao Gomes Premier League output | 2024-25 Metrics (Per 90 minutes) | 2025-26 Metrics (Per 90 minutes) |
| Tackles won | 2.15 [93rd] | 1.75 [85th] |
| Dribblers challenged | 3.33 [90th] | 3.22 [93rd] |
| Tackles and interceptions | 4.27 [80th] | 4.29 [89th] |
| Dribblers tackled | 3.33 [90th] | 1.64 [90th] |
| Passes blocked | 1.15 [82nd] | 1.13 [81st] |
| Ball recoveries | 6.05 [78th] | 6.32 [92nd] |
Agoume presents a European option with much to offer.
As revealed on Thursday, Lucien Agoume is a viable option outside the Premier League, with a notable valuation and skill set to accommodate a Manchester rebuild.
At 24, the former French underage international possesses an array of desirable attributes and European experience at the heart of La Liga.
Although Sevilla have struggled in recent seasons, Agoume played a pivotal role in helping his side avoid relegation last campaign and has been instrumental in their current mid-table standing.
More than capable of delegating transitions and defeating an opposition press, the former Inter man is one of Matias Almeyda’s generals, averaging 4 ball recoveries, 1.8 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.3 clearances with 53 touches per game.
Crucially, with a price tag under £30 million, he could prove the shrewdest deal of all.
Games are often won and lost in midfield, and for whatever reason, the Manchester United hierarchy has routinely opted to do the minimum in bolstering this area.
Manuel Ugarte was brought in with the potential to recreate his early career, but he has struggled to adapt to the rigorous demands of English football.
If Berrada and his boardroom colleagues are serious about targeting Project 150, then one, if not two, of the above names should be the leading priority for this regime.
We often hear about the requirements for a ‘best-in-class’ setup from top to bottom. Well, now is the time to put your money where your mouth is.
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels. Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com.
Metrics via frbref.com.
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