Gareth Barry advised Manchester United to complete perhaps their most important transfer of the summer ahead World Cup begins.
United have yet to decide who it will be Ruben Amorim‘s long-term replacement but Michael Carrick THERE came out as the leaderimpressing in his role as caretaker boss since January.
Both United’s performances and form have been abysmal under Amorim, but Carrick has led the Red Devils to third place in the Premier Leaguejust six points behind the title contenders Manchester City.
Manchester United were hailed for their transfer business last summer and will be hoping for another productive window this time around with several key areas requiring reinforcements.
United’s priority is to sign a new central midfielder to replace him CasemiroWHO announced in January that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
Amorim actually wanted to sign a midfielder last summer, but United prioritized attacking additions, signing Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who have all impressed this season.
Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have been heavily linked with moves to Old Trafford over the past six months and Premier League legend Barry has praised the Nottingham Forest star.
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Anderson is believed to be United’s first choice for the midfield position and Barry says it would benefit both him and the club if a deal is struck before the World Cup kicks off in June.
“Manchester United will certainly be looking for a replacement for Casemiro,” said Barry, who has made the second most appearances in Premier League history. BoyleSports.
“Elliot Anderson is probably a little different player and a very different age, his skills are very different. But I like Anderson.
“If you’re a Man Utd scout, you’ll mention him. He’s one of the best off-the-ball players. He presses to limit the attacking player’s space. He’s one of the best around and he’s capable of going the other way too.
“That’s why Thomas Tuchel has put him in his starting eleven against a lot of big players with England and he’s a potential starter for the World Cup team.
“So I’m sure he’s being discussed in the boardroom at Old Trafford as well as maybe in other teams.
“I think from this kind of experience for a player and a club, if the deal is going to happen, try to do it as soon as possible.
‘I think it helps everyone. It helps both clubs and it helps the player, especially going to a big tournament.
“He doesn’t want to think about his future at the club while trying to win the World Cup for England. It won’t help anyone. Also, the price might be a bit steeper if he has a good tournament.
“If something like this is going to happen and the player has his mind made up about the fact that it’s time for a move, it’s certainly better to do it before the tournament than after.”
Anderson’s form for Nottingham Forest has put him in contention to start with England at this summer’s World Cup.
Before then, the 23-year-old, who is valued at around £80million, will be hoping to help Forest avoid relegation from the Premier League, with Vitor Pereira’s side in 16th place – three points above the relegation zone – with seven games remaining.
Forest’s first Premier League game after the international break is against Aston Villa on Sunday, while Anderson’s potential future club Manchester United return to action a day later against Leeds United.
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