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Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson has now set the stage for his ‘audition’ to be Casemiro’s Manchester United replacement at Old Trafford.
Casemiro will leave Manchester United in the summer and the Red Devils are expected to bring a high-profile midfield replacement to the Premier League club.
The 34-year-old five-time Champions League winner has been a major midfield influence in the two-man pivot with Kobbie Mainoo under Michael Carrick.
Just as Casemiro prepares to close out his Man Utd chapter at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, the door is now wide open for Elliot Anderson’s ‘audition’ run.
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Photo by RaÅid Necati Aslım/Anadolu via Getty Images
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images Elliot Anderson’s role at the 2026 World Cup for England will be an important test for Man Utd in the post-Casemiro era
Elliot Anderson is unable to escape links with Manchester United and the 23-year-old midfielder’s Nottingham Forest future is uncertain going into the summer.
United are not alone in their transfer interest for Anderson, with Premier League clubs Manchester City and Arsenal both namechecked alongside the Red Devils.
Anderson has found himself to be a key midfielder, whether as a No 8 or as a No 10, for Forest amid his impressive run of form at City Ground since his 2024 move.
However, the Forest midfielder could find himself playing as a No 6 at the World Cup in the summer and Anderson was asked about the prospect of the role on Monday.
“I want it that way,” he said at England’s press conference ahead of the Japan match, as per BBC Sport.
“I’ve got a full season left with Forest, plenty of time till then. I’ve got to keep my standards high and make sure it happens.”
Is Elliot Anderson the standout midfield option for Manchester United?
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Getty Images Elliot Anderson as England’s No 6 at the 2026 World Cup is the strongest indicator Man Utd could have Casemiro’s heir apparent
Man Utd-linked Anderson touched on his future at the pre-match press conference, but the focus should be on his readiness to play as a No 6 under Thomas Tuchel.
Thomas Tuchel already trialled out Anderson as a No 6 during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign in 2025 and the Forest and England star rose to the occasion.
Valued at around £100m in recent months, Anderson’s versatility as a midfielder and ability to play as a holding midfielder for Forest have made him an even more desirable replacement option for Casemiro.
The competition is stiff for places in the starting XI when it comes to the England midfield, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton all competing for them.
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