Man Utd transfers: Gary Neville on summer window priorities, replacing Casemiro and Elliot Anderson | Football News

Sky Sports’ Gary Neville says replacing Casemiro will be one of Manchester United biggest challenges this summer after the Brazilian’s emotional Old Trafford farewell.

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast after Man Utd’s final home game of the season, Neville admitted the club now face a huge task trying to replace the experience, leadership and physical presence Casemiro brought to Michael Carrick’s side.

“Manchester United now need a 25 to 26-year-old version of Casemiro, but the problem is that it costs you £100m nowadays,” Neville admitted.

“His heading and aerial ability in both boxes will be very difficult to replace.”

Neville reflected on the circumstances around Casemiro’s arrival at Old Trafford, claiming the midfielder was signed during a period of panic in the club’s recruitment strategy.

“Casemiro was signed in a panic after the Brentford defeat away from home,” Neville explained.

“They overpaid and they overpaid on salary.

“Manchester United today in their current format and leadership won’t go and do another deal like that.”

Neville also praised Casemiro’s impact during the second half of the campaign, believing the midfielder played a huge role in helping Carrick guide United back into the Champions League.

“In this last six months, he’s been exceptional in terms of getting Manchester United into the Champions League,” Neville said.

“They will miss him from a personality and character perspective, physicality, aerial presence and he’s good on the ball as well.

“Casemiro’s brought some value because he’s like a captain really. You don’t find many players like that.”

Neville names Anderson as ideal Man Utd signing

Neville believes Elliot Anderson would be the “outstanding” midfield candidate to replace Casemiro at Manchester United this summer after he impressed for Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

Neville praised Anderson’s ability to play forward, contribute creatively and handle the intensity of Premier League football.

“Manchester United need to look at players that are either very young and have a hunger to grow or Premier League-ready players and Elliot Anderson is that,” Neville said, despite admitting it “won’t be an easy bargain to strike” to prise him from Forest.

“What I like about Anderson is the fact that he looks forward and he contributes. The two crosses for the goals, were exceptional.”

Neville explained that Anderson’s willingness to play on the front foot is what makes him stand out from many modern midfielders, arguing that too many players are content keeping possession rather than taking risks in central areas.

“I see too many crabs playing central midfield. You can’t have too many people who play five-yard passes back and sideways. You need to put players in there who are going to look forward and punch passes through the lines and have their head up.

“Elliot Anderson can do that. He can take set-pieces. So for me, he would be an outstanding candidate to come here.

“But if you believe what you hear, Manchester City also want him, so if it’s a straight fight between the two Manchester clubs, it’ll be interesting to see who he chooses.”

Neville believes the players Manchester United signed from Premier League clubs last summer have largely worked, with that experience helping them adapt quicker to the demands of playing at Old Trafford.

“If you look at Man Utd’s recruitment last summer, they did sign younger players from outside, but their big signings were Premier League-ready players like Mbeumo and Cunha. They’ve had difficult moments this season, but I’ve never watched them and thought they don’t belong in a Man Utd shirt,” Neville argued.

“They keep going, they’ve got fight and persistence. Manchester United forwards have to work hard, look hungry to get on the ball and run forward.”

Neville warns Man Utd squad is ‘paper-thin’

Neville also warned that Man Utd will need significant reinforcements this summer if they are to compete on multiple fronts next season following their return to the Champions League.

“Michael Carrick’s got a squad at the moment that is paper-thin. If two or three players got injured, it would fall apart quite quickly,” Neville explained.

“The squad will come under great stress playing three times a week. There are some players out there who are injury prone, some players who fatigue more and it’s just inevitable.”

Neville believes central midfield should be a priority area for United this summer, alongside defensive reinforcements.

“They need two top central midfield players. That’s the absolute unequivocal,” he added.

“He’ll [Carrick] need four or five more players minimum, of really high quality that are reliable, consistent, and Premier League ready.

“They’ve got to go and get two or three more around that to beef up the squad.”

With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford next season, United now face a crucial summer window as Carrick looks to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.