Man Utd line up move to sign “the best CM in the world”

Casemiro may not have scored on his final appearance for Manchester United at Old Trafford but he did leave in classic Casemiro style.

Moments before Michael Carrick took him off to standing obation, the Brazilian was handed a yellow card for a late tackle. It was the 39th caution of his United career.

Alas, supporters did not care. They are just sad they will no longer get to see the multiple Champions League winner in United red again.

Trying to replace him is an enormous task but on Sunday, Elliot Anderson demonstrated why he must be the man to come in.

Man Utd lining up a bigger signing than Anderson

Anderson is the recruitment team’s number one target at Man United. That, however, does not necessarily mean they will sign him.

Indeed, the England international is attracting interest from plenty of Premier League clubs, notably Manchester City, who are reportedly in pole position to sign the midfielder for what could be a £100m plus fee. Judging by his display on Sunday, the all-action star is certainly worth it.

With City in the hunt, Jason Wilcox and Co are likely to have to cast their net wider. It explains why they have sought to agree personal terms with the likes of Carlos Baleba and Ederson of Atalanta.

Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is also on their radar and he could seek an escape route from Spanish shores this summer after a dressing room bust up with teammate Federico Valverde.

Speaking of the Uruguayan sensation, he is another player United are looking at.

That’s according to Football Insider who report at the start of this week that Valverde is ‘ranking high on their list of targets’. That said, there are a couple of complications here, not least a potential asking price but also Jose Mourinho’s arrival at the Bernabeu.

It’s suggested that Mourinho could block his exit given the midfielder’s importance to the Madrid side. He is set to give Valverde a clean slate despite the recent fight with Tchouameni.

The numbers: How Valverde compares to Anderson

Anderson has been seriously impressive this season but his performance at Old Trafford on Sunday was just on another level; it was perhaps his finest display for Forest yet.

The 23-year-old may not have scored but his display was incredibly eye-catching, registering two assists from the right-hand side. His first for Morato’s goal was a delightful cross and his second, steering the ball into the path of Morgan Gibbs-White was lovely and incisive.

Anderson isn’t just a passer. He eats up ground, wins the ball back and keeps the team ticking over. He took a whopping 110 touches at the weekend, amassing 11 defensive contributions too.

However, he isn’t Valverde. He isn’t a player who’s been playing at the top level for many a year. He isn’t a centrepiece of a Real Madrid team. In the words of Carlo Ancelottithe Uruguay superstar is “the best midfielder in the world”.

It’s hard to dispute that. Just look at the way in which he dominated Manchester City in the Champions League, scoring a truly ridiculous hat-trick.

Those were the 27-year-old’s only goals in continental competition this term but he did bag nine overall when you take into consideration his six domestic goals. He also registered 13 assists in all competitions.

Like Anderson, Valverde is the definition of all-action but having been a regular for Real for a number of years now, if he is available, there are not many better signings that Wilcox and Carrick could make this summer.

Madrid’s superstar has 13 more goal involvements than Forest’s main man. His end product is better, as is shooting, creating qualities and overall defensive game.

When it comes to progressing play, Anderson is the better asset but in other areas, Valverde reigns supreme. He’s far more involved in attacking situations and despite that, he still shuts down more threat per 90 minutes.

Sure, he’s not making as many ball recoveries, but Forest have to defend far more than Madrid do in the league.

The England midfielder would be a cracking signing but with City leading the race, perhaps that is no bad thing, particularly if Carrick and Co end up with Valverde instead.