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Manchester United’s ongoing search for a strong successor to the departing Casemiro has linked them closely with Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson in recent months. The 23-year-old showcased his talent in impressive fashion at Old Trafford last weekend.

Although the West Bridgford-based side fell 3-2 to the Red Devils, Anderson delivered a standout performance, providing two assists and controlling the midfield battle. His composure, vision, and energy have strengthened the argument that he could become an excellent replacement for Casemiro at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Brazilian midfielder made his final appearance at Old Trafford last weekend and will depart as a free agent this summer. Reports suggest that United are keen to bring Anderson in to fill the gap left by Casemiro’s exit.

Earlier reports indicated that Nottingham Forest could demand more than £100 million to part ways with their prized midfielder. However, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes that such a valuation is excessive.

Speaking alongside United legend Gary Neville and Arsenal great Ian Wright on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, Keane discussed Anderson’s potential move. While Neville argued that United should make a strong push to sign the English midfielder, Keane offered a more cautious view.

Keane stated that his former club should not pay more than £80 million for Anderson, saying, “You [Gary Neville] say all out for him. Well, look, £70million [to] £80million.”

He added, “I know, yeah, I’d understand that. But if you’re talking about £100m or £125m, all that crazy money, I’d be like, ‘Hold on a second.’ But if you’re talking about £60m or £70m, yeah, you’d have to be interested in him.”

Neville recently remarked that Anderson would be the perfect replacement for Casemiro at Old Trafford, while Wright believed United should do whatever it takes to secure his signature. Wright said, “Man Utd should go try and make sure that they get him. Especially with… It’s exciting now with Michael [Carrick] signing and everything. Good luck to him [Carrick] and that, but if they get it right with the right players, United…”

He further added, “What, you want to pay for him? If you’re Utd and you needed that kind of midfield for so long and Man City are trying to take him off you, then you’ve got to go where you’ve got to get him. I’d pay for him. I’d pay for him.”

This season, Anderson has scored four goals and contributed five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Nottingham Forest, starting in 44 of those matches.

Pep Guardiola’s upcoming exit from Manchester City could give Manchester United a boost in their pursuit of Anderson. The Red Devils would be wise to seize that opportunity, as Anderson’s potential impact at Old Trafford could mirror Declan Rice’s influence at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.