Elliot Anderson: Neville explains why United target is Casemiro’s ideal heir | OneFootball

Manchester United got a first-hand look at Elliot Anderson’s abilities during the game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 17 May, at Old Trafford. While the West Bridgford side succumbed to a 3-2 defeat, the English midfielder stood out and left a lasting impression.

Anderson won nine of his 15 duels, completed 71 of his 80 attempted passes with an 89% passing accuracy, and set up both of his team’s goals. He created two big chances, played three key passes, and attempted eight long passes, four of which were accurate.

The 23 year old has been one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League this season and is already on the Red Devils’ radar ahead of the summer. United are looking for a replacement for Casemiro, who will leave at the end of the season as a free agent.

The Red Devils are already eyeing several candidates to fill the Brazilian’s boots, and club legend Gary Neville has now given his thoughts on the matter.

United need a younger version of Casemiro

Speaking on The Gary Neville podcast after Sunday’s game, Neville insisted that his former club now need a younger version of Casemiro. He said: “Manchester United now need a 25 to 26-year-old version of Casemiro, but the problem is that it costs you £100m nowadays. His heading and aerial ability in both boxes will be very difficult to replace.”

“Casemiro was signed in a panic after the Brentford defeat away from home. They overpaid and they overpaid on salary. Manchester United today in their current format and leadership won’t go and do another deal like that.”

The former United skipper, however, was quick to praise the Brazilian for his recent efforts, adding: “In this last six months, he’s been exceptional in terms of getting Manchester United into the Champions League.”

“They will miss him from a personality and character perspective, physicality, aerial presence and he’s good on the ball as well. Casemiro’s brought some value because he’s like a captain really. You don’t find many players like that.”

Anderson perfect replacement for Casemiro

Neville went on to explain why Anderson would be the perfect replacement for Casemiro, stating: “Manchester United need to look at players that are either very young and have a hunger to grow or Premier League-ready players and Elliot Anderson is that.”

“What I like about Anderson is the fact that he looks forward and he contributes. The two crosses for the goals, were exceptional.”

The former United skipper went on to state that Anderson’s ability to pick out forward passes makes him a good fit at Old Trafford, adding: “I see too many crabs playing central midfield. You can’t have too many people who play five-yard passes back and sideways. You need to put players in there who are going to look forward and punch passes through the lines and have their head up.”

“Elliot Anderson can do that. He can take set-pieces. So for me, he would be an outstanding candidate to come here. But if you believe what you hear, Manchester City also want him, so if it’s a straight fight between the two Manchester clubs, it’ll be interesting to see who he chooses.”

Elliot Anderson Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Final Thoughts

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that the Englishman is open to a move to Old Trafford this summer. While Anderson is likely to command a colossal fee, it could prove to be money well spent in the long run.

Featured image Jack Thomas via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social