Manchester United may need to approach this summer with a strong mix of caution and intelligence, both financially and in terms of squad planning.
Elliot Anderson is a player who clearly brings a lot to the table. His energy, calmness in possession, ability to drive the ball forward, and overall work rate make him an exciting midfield talent with the potential to develop into a top-class player over the coming years.
That said, once his price tag reportedly climbs into the £110m–£115m range, it becomes harder to ignore alternatives such as Aurélien Tchouaméni or Carlos Baleba.
This is not about questioning Anderson’s ability, but rather about making smarter decisions in the transfer market. Building a strong squad is about spreading resources wisely instead of committing a massive portion of the budget to one signing.
If United can land someone like Baleba or Tchouaméni for a more reasonable fee, the money saved — potentially £35m to £40m — could be redirected toward strengthening other important areas of the team.
The squad still needs reinforcements in several positions, including left wing, left-back cover, midfield depth, and possibly another attacker depending on departures.
Because of that, a more balanced recruitment strategy feels more practical than focusing heavily on a single expensive target.
Modern midfield football is also shifting toward more physical and dynamic profiles. Players who can cover ground, win duels, break up transitions, and still progress the ball effectively are becoming essential, which is why profiles like Baleba and Tchouaméni remain so attractive.
