Manchester United are setting their sights on a major midfield overhaul this summer, and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson has emerged as a prime target. With Casemiro expected to depart Old Trafford as a free agent at season's end, the Red Devils are already mapping out succession plans for the Brazilian veteran.

Casemiro has been in stellar form under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, bringing energy and grit to United's midfield. His partnership with rising star Kobbie Mainoo has been instrumental in the club's resurgence, helping them secure Champions League qualification and a third-place standing in the Premier League after 36 matches.

Now, INEOS are determined to inject fresh aggression into the midfield, and Anderson's name tops the list. The 23-year-old has been nothing short of a revelation for Nottingham Forest this season, dominating the middle of the park with relentless intensity. He leads the Premier League in duels won (284), making him an ideal foil for Mainoo at the Theatre of Dreams.

But Anderson isn't just a destroyer—he's equally impressive in possession. Among Premier League midfielders, he ranks fourth in successful long passes (115) and first in successful short passes (1,813). His all-around game has yielded four goals and three assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, with all but five of those being starts.

While Manchester City were previously reported as frontrunners for Anderson's signature, the pendulum has swung. According to SportsBoom, United have now emerged as favourites to land the English midfielder. "Manchester United have cranked the heat to boiling point in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfield star Elliot Anderson," the report states. "United's top brass are said to be captivated by Anderson's all-action style."

For fans dreaming of a dynamic midfield duo built for the future, this update is exactly what the doctor ordered.