Anderson upgrade: Man Utd set to bid for “the best English CM since Scholes”

Manchester United’s hunt for a new central midfielder became apparent in the summer transfer window, after the hierarchy stated their desire to land Brighton star Carlos Baleba.

The Cameroonian international was a key target for INEOS, but they were evidently put off by the Seagulls’ £100m asking price, which led to the Red Devils pulling out of a deal.

Ruben Amorim has since had to rely upon the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro at the heart of the side, with the aforementioned duo being the most consistent partnership at present.

The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have both struggled to break into the side in the Premier League, which could lead to either of the pair being offloaded in the winter window.

Such funds could certainly be directed towards a new addition in the coming months, which has led to numerous players being touted as potential options for the upcoming market.

United’s hunt for a new deep-lying midfielder this January

Over recent weeks, rumours have gathered huge momentum after United reportedly held talks with Nottingham Forest over a possible deal to land Elliot Anderson.

The 23-year-old has been in tremendous form for the Reds during the 2025/26 campaign, which has led to the youngster becoming a mainstay in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

However, any deal could likely be a club-record one for Amorim’s men, after his current employers placed a £100m price tag on his head ahead of the upcoming window.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton another option being considered by INEOS before the opening of the window.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Red Devils are set to make a £70m bid for the 21-year-old, but the Eagles are currently reluctant to offload him in the near future, with some sources saying it may take £100m to prise him away from Selhurst Park.

The report also states that the player himself would be open for a switch to Old Trafford this window, but it it could hinge on the club’s ability to secure European football come the end of the season.

How Adam Wharton compares to Elliot Anderson

In 2025/26 alone, there’s little debate that Forest star Anderson has been one of the leading stars in the division – with his figures this campaign nothing short of remarkable.

The United fans have had the chance to witness the Englishman’s talents first hand, with the youngster thriving in the meeting at the City Ground at the start of November.

The 23-year-old featured for the entire contest and created three chances and completed 100% of the dribbles he attempted – subsequently showcasing his talents in possession.

Without the ball, he was just as impressive, as seen by his 100% tackle success rate and 14 recoveries made – with the latter the highest of any player on the pitch.

The £100m asking price would certainly be an excellent investment, but ultimately, it could be outside of the hierarchy’s budget in the upcoming window.

Therefore, a deal for Wharton could certainly be more feasible in January, but that’s not to say the club would be getting a lower quality player in the process.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats in the current campaign, the Palace star has managed to better him in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be a better addition.

Aptly described hailed as “the best English midfielder since Paul Scholes” by one CONCACAF B certified coach earlier this year, Wharton is certainly Scholes like in his ability to evade the press and battle hard from the middle of the park.

For a United side needing a bit more spark, Wharton crucially has completed more key passes per 90 – arguably being a more threatening option when in possession and living up to that Scholes comparison.

However, despite his talents in such an area, his ability in possession is where he’s struggled compared to Anderson, with his ball-winning ability more impressive to date. Like Scholes, he’s got a bit of extra bite present in his game.

Games played

11

13

Minutes played

861

1170

Key passes

1.8

1.7

Tackles made

1.7

1.6

Interceptions made

1.2

1.1

Clearances made

1.5

1.1

Take-on success

55%

50%

Miscontrols

1.2

2.2

He’s made more tackles and interceptions per 90 than the Forest star, which could make him the perfect number six that Amorim has been craving in recent months.

Wharton has also made more clearances per 90, whilst also miscontrolling the ball on fewer occasions – subsequently making him a more reliable option than his compatriot.

£70m for a player of Wharton’s quality is an excellent piece of business for United, with the sky truly being the limit for the 21-year-old England international.

Whilst many fans may favour Anderson at present, the Eagles star certainly has a higher ceiling, with the youngster having bags of potential that he could fulfil at Old Trafford.

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