Finding a partner for Kobbie Mainoo this summer should be at the top of Manchester United’s transfer shortlist, and Paul Scholes believes he has the answer.
Manchester United has a long list of midfield targets this summer to try to replace the outgoing Casemiro.
This has seen United linked with countless midfielders, all of which would offer something different and create interesting pairings with Kobbie Mainoo.
Adam Wharton has been written off due to his similarities, while United believe Carlos Baleba is perfect to pair with Mainoo.
If Elliot Anderson is £125m… What is Kobbie Mainoo’s market value right now?
Not that he's going anywhere…🔒
Paul Scholes wants Elliot Anderson to partner Kobbie Mainoo
Now, as the longlist becomes a shortlist, Paul Scholes has told talkSPORT the ideal addition he wants to partner Mainoo.
“I think it would (Elliot Anderson would be my first choice)”, Scholes explained.
“I really liked him when he was at Newcastle [United]. Well, Newcastle had to sell him because of the PSR stuff. But what I’ve seen of him has been nothing short of brilliant, really.
“What he’s done for Forest has been really good; in the Europa League, he’s still got to go to that next level, he’s done it with England, well, England games are very hard to gauge because I don’t think they’re playing the best competition until they get to the World Cup when those bigger games come and we’ll get a better idea.
“He’ll still have to test himself in the Champions League, but he looks to me like he’d be able to handle it. Absolutely no problem.
“But as I say, I think one or two will be needed, not just the one. But Anderson and Mainoo, I think I’d be happy with that for the start of next season.”
What is your message to Casemiro ahead of his final home game at Old Trafford?
Do you think it will be a scoring farewell for Casemiro?
Elliot Anderson is the premium signing United want but don’t need
Scholes is right to pick Anderson as the dream signing for United in midfield this summer.
Anderson is the best player on United’s list, with his ceiling in the coming years likely higher than the rest of the options on the shortlist.
However, with a price tag of £125m being reported, United can’t afford to sign Anderson, because he will take up almost the entire budget.
United will be stronger by instead signing three midfielders who are cheaper, but building the squad.
Anderson is a final piece signing, not a building block. Unless Forest accepts close to £80m, United should avoid.
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