Man United legend Paul Scholes has urged his former club to beat Man City to the signing of Elliot Anderson. It would be very satisfying if the midfield next season could be Anderson paired with Mainoo, but they can't just bring in one midfielder.
Elliot Anderson's future is destined to be the focus of transfer rumors this summer. TalkSPORT previously revealed that Nottingham Forest is expected to receive multiple offers for the midfielder before the World Cup kicks off.
Man United and Man City have both started communicating with Elliot Anderson's agent team, and both clubs plan to strengthen at least one first-team midfielder during this summer transfer window.
However, Elliot Anderson's transfer fee this summer will be expensive, with Forest valuing him at around £100 million.
With Bernardo Silva's contract expiring and him about to leave the team, and Rodri also being listed by Real Madrid as one of their top signings this summer, Guardiola urgently needs to inject fresh blood into the midfield.
But Scholes has strongly urged Man United to do everything possible to secure Elliot Anderson, as he firmly believes that the player can adapt to higher-intensity competition, especially in Champions League-level events, and Man United has now returned to the top European stage.
Scholes said of Anderson joining Man United: "I admired him when he was still playing for Newcastle." Scholes said while a guest on TalkSPORT's morning sports program.
"Due to factors such as Financial Fair Play, Newcastle had to sell him. From the games I've seen, his performance has been amazing. His performance at Forest is fully capable of playing in the Europa League. He still has room for improvement and is steadily growing in the England team.
The England team's warm-up matches have limited reference value. Before the World Cup, it will be difficult for England to encounter top opponents. When the big game comes, we can truly see his strength, and he still needs to prove himself in the Champions League. But in my opinion, he is fully capable of coping, no problem.
But my view is that Man United needs to strengthen one or two midfielders this summer, and cannot just bring in Anderson alone.
I would be very satisfied if the midfield next season could be Anderson paired with Mainoo."
In the friendly match in March where England lost 0-1 to Japan, the two partnered for the first time, allowing fans to see the effect of this midfield combination in advance. If Elliot Anderson can choose between the two Manchester clubs, Mainoo's strong comeback under interim coach Michael Carrick may make him optimistic about joining Man United to usher in a new career high.
Mainoo, who came from Man United's youth training, was abandoned during Ruben Amorim's coaching period, and there were even rumors of leaving the team in the winter window. During Amorim's coaching period this season, Mainoo only got one start, which was still in last year's League Cup upset loss to Grimsby. After Carrick took over, Mainoo ushered in a major turnaround in his career, starting in all but one league game. With his improved form, Mainoo signed a lucrative new contract with Man United until 2031, with his salary increasing sixfold.
What other midfield targets does Man United have?
Man United will not hastily change targets if they fail to pursue Elliot Anderson.
TalkSPORT has learned that Atalanta midfielder Ederson is also on Man United's shortlist of potential signings this summer. Atalanta has priced him at £42 million, and his contract expires in 2027.
Real Madrid midfielder Tchouameni is also being watched by Man United, but Real Madrid insiders told TalkSPORT that the French international has no intention of leaving and is currently very comfortable at the club.