Manchester United have been linked with both Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window.
On Sunday afternoon, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United faced each other in the Premier League, meaning the two Manchester United targets went toe-to-toe in midfield.
Elliot Anderson is United’s top priority, but links to Manchester City could complicate a transfer. To add to the complications, Anderson could cost £125m in the summer.
One of United’s alternatives is Sandro Tonali, who is open to a move to Old Trafford. Like Elliot Anderson, though, Tonali has a price tag of around £100m.
If Elliot Anderson is £125m… What is Kobbie Mainoo’s market value right now?
Not that he's going anywhere…🔒
What happened when Elliot Anderson faced Sandro Tonali
Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United shared the points from their Premier League clash with a 1-1 draw at the City Ground.
Anderson scored a late equaliser for Forest to rescue a point for his side, while Tonali played the full 90 minutes in midfield for Newcastle.
| Elliot Anderson | Match stats | Sandro Tonali |
| 90 | Minutes played | 90 |
| 88 | Touches | 80 |
| 1 | Goals | 0 |
| 83% (59/71) | Passes completed | 86% (56/65) |
| 50% (1/2) | Dribbles completed | 0% (0/1) |
| 2 | Defensive contributions | 5 |
| 5 | Duels won | 2 |
As per SofaScore, Anderson was the highest-rated player on the pitch with a 7.7/10. Tonali earned a 6.9 rating for his performance.
Not only did Anderson lead the way in terms of goals, but he also took more touches, completed more dribbles and won more duels than his competition.
How do you really feel about Man United’s Sandro Tonali interest?
Is he who we need in midfield?🇮🇹
Elliot Anderson is exactly what Man United need
Anderson is hot property heading into the transfer window, and a £125m transfer fee would absolutely smash United’s most expensive transfer deal.
But the 23-year-old is easily the best midfielder on the market this summer, and he fits the exact profile that United need.
READ MORE: Man Utd can take advantage of two Man City uncertainties to convince Elliot Anderson to sign
United need a partner for Kobbie Mainoo who covers ground, dominates duels and is able to progress the ball up the pitch comfortably.
Anderson ticks every box, and he is still young and yet to hit his prime. Tonali is not a bad alternative, but this match proves he is a few steps behind the Forest star.
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