Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has now dropped his verdict on Manchester United’s ambition to bring one key midfielder to Old Trafford this summer.
Ineos’ main priority for the Manchester United first-team squad this summer is a major overhaul of the midfield area ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
Michael Carrick will lose veteran midfielder Casemiro at the end of June and Manuel Ugarte has been heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer.
The Red Devils have already made major progress with bringing Ederson to Old Trafford, with the Atalanta midfielder’s move expected to be announced in July.
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Micah Richards on Man Utd and Man City’s battle for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson has been linked with Manchester United in recent months, with Manchester City also one of the favourites to land the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
According to BBC Sport, Manchester City have already had an opening bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for England international Elliot Anderson earlier this week.
Forest are expected to be holding out for a fee in excess of £100m before they allow the 23-year-old Three Lions midfielder to leave City Ground in the summer.
Micah Richards feels that City have their own advantages in luring Anderson to the Etihad, but he refused to overlook the appeal that Man Utd still holds with players.
“And City have built that environment and that is always going to be there and be in a player’s mind,” he told the Metro.
“Going to Man United is still a massive draw, Liverpool as well [for] their history. Everyone has certain things they want when it comes to choosing a club.
“Some grew up Liverpool fans; some grew up Man United fans. But many will be thinking what is the best possible move for my career.”
If Elliot Anderson is £125m… What is Kobbie Mainoo’s market value right now?
Not that he's going anywhere…🔒
Micah Richards thinks Man City must do everything in their power to beat Man Utd in the race to land Elliot Anderson
Man Utd-linked Anderson is under contract until 2029 and the Nottingham Forest star has deeply impressed at City Ground since his 2024 move from Newcastle.
Richards insisted that he is desperate to see former side Manchester City come out on top against Man Utd in the race to land the highly rated Anderson from Forest.
“He’s my No 1 pick,” he added.
“It depends on what the cost is, but he can do so many things. He can sit there as a No 6, but I think his best position is a No 8.
“I think he is much more than a water carrier; he’s so good on the ball and he can drive forward.”
Anderson is reportedly carrying a £125m price tag over his head this summer amid the growing transfer interest from Premier League sides Man City and Man Utd.
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