Gareth Barry, the former Premier League midfielder, thinks Manchester United should target Elliot Anderson to take Casemiro’s place. Casemiro, now 34, already said he’s leaving Old Trafford when his contract ends this summer.

United’s decision not to extend Casemiro’s deal fits with their plan to shake up the squad. They paid Real Madrid an initial £60 million for him in 2022, and with add-ons, the deal reached £70 million. Casemiro’s on big wages around £300,000 a week, which gets closer to £350,000 if United make the Champions League. There’s also uncertainty about Manuel Ugarte’s future. With both potentially on the way out, plenty of names are being floated as replacements.

Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, and Adam Wharton are all in the conversation, but Barry sees Anderson as the best option.

Talking to BOYLE Sports, Barry explained, “Manchester United will definitely be searching for someone to fill Casemiro’s shoes. Anderson isn’t the same kind of player, and there’s a big age difference, too. What he brings is pretty unique.

“I really rate Elliot Anderson. If you’re a United scout, you’re talking about him. Off the ball, there aren’t many better. He presses, he shuts down space, and he’s great at winning the ball back. Plus, he can play forward too.

“That’s why Thomas Tuchel starts him for England over some big names, and why he could easily start at the World Cup. I’m sure he’s getting discussed in various boardrooms, not just at Manchester United.

“If a move’s going to happen, it’s better to get it over the line quickly. It just makes everything smoother for both clubs and the player, especially with a big tournament coming up.”

Barry added, “No one wants uncertainty hanging over Anderson while he’s focused on England at the World Cup. It doesn’t help anyone. And if he has a standout tournament, his price could easily go up.

“So if everyone agrees it’s time for a move, getting the deal sorted before the World Cup just makes sense.”

Even so, Nottingham Forest won’t be keen to let Anderson go. Since joining Newcastle in 2024, he’s become a vital part of their midfield. Forest supposedly set its price at £100 million, but their relegation fight could change things. Right now, Vitor Pereira’s squad sits 16th in the table, just three points clear of the drop zone with seven games to play. names and

Morgan Rogers has been cautioned against moving to what some now consider the “graveyard” that Manchester United has become. Alongside that, he’s also been advised to dismiss any advances from Chelsea. At just 23, the England international has caught the eye of several Premier League teams, making him one of the most talked-about young talents. Dean Saunders, a former striker for Aston Villa, feels Rogers’ growth would be better nurtured by staying put for now.

Looking at Rogers’ progression at Villa Park, it’s clear he’s on an upward trajectory, locked into a long-term contract, and even earning a spot with England. Yet this all raises some transfer-related questions that Rogers likely has on his mind. Speaking to PariuriX.com, Saunders was candid about the rumours. He described Rogers as a top-class player who, despite his size, moves fluidly with the ball, navigates tight spaces effectively, retains possession, and finds the net.

Saunders doesn’t see any benefit in Rogers leaving Aston Villa at this stage. He imagines conversations between Rogers and manager Unai Emery might revolve around the kind of support the club intends to offer in the transfer market. Rogers would be asking whether the team plans to strengthen in meaningful ways or just make modest moves. Financial constraints linked to Fair Play have limited Villa’s options, but Saunders insists that to make a real leap forward, the owners will need to back the squad with quality signings. He couldn’t help but wonder why the club missed out on talents like Julian Alvarez and questioned the logic behind not pursuing top-tier players when competing at a high level demands it.

Despite the challenges, Saunders acknowledges that Villa’s squad has performed admirably, especially considering the heavy fixture load. However, he believes there’s still room for improvement if better players are brought in.

When it comes to transfer speculation linking Rogers to Manchester United and Chelsea, Saunders is unequivocal; Aston Villa currently offers a better environment for him. He advises Rogers to steer clear of those two. Drawing from recent patterns at United, Saunders describes it as a kind of “graveyard” for young talents, citing the numerous struggles that come with joining a club embroiled in transition and instability. While United may be attempting to clean house and reset its culture, it took them hitting rock bottom to get there. Now they can attract players willing to fight in less-than-ideal conditions, but it’s hardly the ideal place for Rogers to develop.

On the flip side, United face their own shake-ups. Casemiro’s exit as a free agent this summer leaves a gap, and with Bruno Fernandes potentially eyeing a move to the Saudi Pro League amid lucrative offers, United might find themselves in the market for creative players like Rogers. If Fernandes departs, Rogers would likely be high on their wishlist. United reportedly have funds to spend this summer, but convincing Villa to part with their standout playmaker won’t be straightforward. Especially if Villa secures Champions League qualification through their league finish or by winning the Europa League, their incentive to sell diminishes significantly.

All things considered, for Rogers, the decision isn’t just about flashy moves or joining historic clubs. It’s about where he can realistically take the next step without sidetracking the promising trajectory he’s currently on. Staying at Villa, at least for now, seems to offer that stability and opportunity.