A generation of Manchester United supporters have missed out on the glory days of the football club, subsequently having to listen to their elders about the success the side endured.
The Red Devils have now gone 13 years without a Premier League title, with no manager able to emulate the feats achieved by the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson.
Countless managers have tried and failed to Old Trafford, with a Europa League title back in 2016/17 the highlight for the fanbase since the Scotsman retired.
However, the hierarchy has spent a small fortune trying to get the club back to their former glory, but as seen in recent seasons in England’s top-flight, it’s been to no avail.
This summer presents yet another opportunity for the board to get the recruitment right, with one area of the senior ranks set to be bolstered significantly ahead of 2026/27.
Man Utd set to win the race for Premier League sensation
The central midfield department is one that looks set to be invested in this summer, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson one player who’s been hugely touted with a move to United.
The 23-year-old has been one of the division’s most sought-after talents this campaign, leading to Vitor Pereira’s side placing a £100m asking price on the midfielder’s head.
However, the Red Devils haven’t been alone in the pursuit of the England international, with bitter rivals Manchester City, another club also credited with an interest at present.
Anderson isn’t the only option currently being considered by the United hierarchy ahead of the summer, with Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali another player in their sights.
According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils have been pursuing a move for the Italian in recent months, with Arsenal and Chelsea also interested in the 25-year-old.
The report claims that should everything fall into place during the summer window, the Magpies star is expected to make a move and arrive at Old Trafford.
Any deal could prove to be an expensive one for the hierarchy, with a price tag in the region of £80m previously being touted for the Magpies star to depart St James’ Park.
Why Tonali would be a bigger talent than Anderson for United
As previously mentioned, United’s interest in Anderson has been long-standing, with constant checks being made over the possibility of a summer transfer.
However, the prospect of the England international moving to Old Trafford during the off-season is starting to fade, with rivals City seemingly now leading the race for his signature.
Missing out to Pep Guardiola’s men would be a bitter blow, but the £100m price tag would be extremely steep given he’s only spent two years as a regular Premier League starter.
There’s no denying he’s a huge talent, as seen with his recent spell in the England national team, but it would certainly be a risk breaking the club record on the 23-year-old.
As a result, a move for Tonali would arguably be a better move, especially considering the 25-year-old’s experience in the Champions League – a competition United could be in next term.
The former AC Milan star has spent three years in England’s top-flight, which has seen him amass more appearances in the division than Anderson in his own career.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing campaign, Tonali has managed to star in multiple key areas – with many of his stats better than those produced by the Englishman.
The Italian, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by journalist Chris Waugh, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted compared to Anderson – whilst also creating more chances per 90.
Sandro Tonali – PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
29
Goals & assists
2
Minutes played
2045
Pass accuracy
85%
Dribble success
63%
Interceptions made
1.2
Ball recoveries made
5.4
Long balls completed
2.7
The aforementioned figures no doubt demonstrate the Italian’s ability to dictate the play from a deep-lying position, something which United have lacked in recent times.
He’s also completed more of the dribbles he’s attempted in the Premier League this term, further reaffirming his incredible ability with the ball at his feet.
Tonali has managed to come out on top of 54% of the ground duels he’s entered so far this campaign, whilst also making a staggering 5.4 ball recoveries per 90.
His stats in and out of possession make him the perfect box-to-box option for the Red Devils in the years ahead, with his experience vital to the club’s chances of success.
Anderson would be an excellent addition for United, but ultimately, spending £100m on the Forest star would be a risk given his lack of top European experience.
A deal for Tonali would highlight that the Red Devils mean business ahead of next season, with the former AC Milan star able to massively improve the club’s midfield department.
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