Rio Ferdinand names his number one transfer target for Manchester United this summer

Rio Ferdinand has named Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as his number one transfer target for Manchester United this summer. 

United will likely be in the market to sign a replacement for Casemiro, who has confirmed he will leave at the end of this season. 

They have been linked with several quality midfielders, including Newcastle United stars Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. 

Ferdinand has picked Anderson as his top target, saying he would complement Kobbie Mainoo. 

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “[Bruno] Guimaraes and [Sandro] Tonali wouldn’t be my first-choice midfield signings this summer.

“It’s Elliot Anderson. His age – he’s 23 years old. Guimaraes is 28, and Tonali is 25, soon to be 26, so that counts for a lot for me. I want young, hungry players in my squad.

“He complements Mainoo. I think Mainoo is going to be one of the main players in the team now, they’re going to build around him, and I think Elliot Anderson absolutely complements him.’

Anderson has earned rave reviews with his performances in the Premier League since joining Forest in 2024. 

The Tricky Trees are battling relegation, but Anderson has enjoyed an impressive campaign, starting all 31 games and scoring two goals. 

He has also averaged 2.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.2 clearances and 8.4 ball recoveries per league game. 

United are ready to make all efforts to secure Anderson’s services, but they face tough competition from Manchester City. 

The Cityzens have confirmed that Bernardo Silva will leave the club, and they view the England international as an ideal replacement. 

City are reportedly leading the transfer race, as it is doubtful whether United would compete with their rivals to match the midfielder’s salary demands. 

The Red Devils have made the mistake of signing players on big wages in the past, but the transfer policy has changed under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. 

Stats from Transfermarkt & Sofascore.