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Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as they aim to strengthen both their attack and midfield. The Red Devils have shown marked improvement under Michael Carrick since his appointment in January, and the club’s hierarchy now wants to provide the Englishman with the tools to mount a serious challenge next season.

When Carrick took over, United were struggling to adapt to former manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. With the Portuguese coach’s departure, Carrick reverted to the traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, sparking an impressive turnaround in form.

Under Carrick’s stewardship, United recorded 12 victories and suffered only two defeats, ultimately finishing third in the Premier League. Initially appointed as an interim boss, Carrick later earned a permanent role after successfully steadying the ship and restoring confidence within the squad.

The club’s immediate objective is to equip Carrick with the right signings to push for trophies next season. One of their top priorities is reinforcing the midfield, and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has emerged as the prime target.

Anderson enjoyed a superb season with Forest, establishing himself as one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League. Known for his dynamic presence and ability to control the tempo of matches, the Englishman is viewed as an ideal successor to Casemiro, who is set to depart Old Trafford this summer.

Despite Casemiro’s importance to United’s campaign, the Brazilian is expected to start a new chapter elsewhere. Manuel Ugarte, who was brought in as his potential replacement, has not met expectations and could also be on his way out of the club.

Reports indicate that United are closing in on a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson and have shown interest in West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes to further strengthen their midfield options. However, Anderson remains the top choice, even though earlier reports linked him with a move to Manchester City.

This season, Anderson has recorded four goals and five assists in 50 appearances across all competitions for Nottingham Forest. His estimated valuation exceeds £100 million, which could make negotiations challenging for Manchester United.

At the same time, United are exploring ways to bolster their attack. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who previously worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough, is being considered as a potential addition to the forward line.

Given budgetary constraints, United must balance their resources carefully. Club legend Paul Scholes recently weighed in on the debate during a conversation with his former teammate Nicky Butt on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, where he was asked to choose between the two transfer targets.

When Butt asked, “You can only sign one for United: Elliot Anderson or Morgan Rogers?”, Scholes replied without hesitation, “It’d have to be Elliot Anderson for me because I love Morgan Rogers, but he’s not going to play instead of Bruno Fernandes, is he? Same position [as Bruno].”

Scholes’ reasoning appears sound, especially as United are reportedly close to securing a contract extension for Fernandes. If INEOS can beat Manchester City to Anderson’s signature, it could greatly enhance United’s prospects of competing for the Premier League title next season.