CASEMIRO is set to go head-to-head against another one of his potential replacements when Manchester United visit Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The 33-year-old Brazil midfielder has already upstaged one midfielder linked with a move to Old Trafford this season.
Casemiro outscored and outplayed Brighton star Carlos Baleba in Saturday’s 4-2 Premier League win as United climbed the table.
And Ruben Amorim’s pivot faces a similar task against a well-associated name at 3pm on Saturday.
Elliot Anderson has drawn interest from a host of Prem clubs since his breakthrough season at the City Ground, with his profile climbing after four strong England starts under Thomas Tuchel.
However, if a United bid does come next summer, it would surely be matched by Anderson’s boyhood club Newcastle, whose fans are still reeling about letting him go due to PSR compliance.
He would likely cost any 2026 suitor three times the £35million paid by Forest to sign him in the summer of 2024.
There was speculation that Anderson moved above Baleba on United’s wishlist, with both set to be priced north of £100m by their respective clubs.
Despite Forest’s hectic season following two manager sackings in the first nine Prem games, Anderson has been the stabilising force in the middle.
The 22-year-old distributor, now coached by new boss Sean Dyche, has won possession 71 times in the Prem, 13 TIMES more than any other player.
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Anderson started both of Forest’s wins over United last season, controversially avoiding a few bookings alongside team-mate Ryan Yates in the crucial 1-0 home victory in April.
Carrington academy graduate Anthony Elanga memorably came back to haunt his former employers after scoring an incredible goal following a nine-second 85-metre run.
Ironically, Elanga is now at Anderson’s first home at St James’ Park after joining Eddie Howe’s side for £55m this summer – two years after leaving Old Trafford.
Casemiro had only regained his place in Amorim’s side in March after playing just 136 minutes between mid-November and the start of February.
But the veteran midfielder has impressively worked himself back into Amorim’s XI, although United are benefitting from the reduced schedule after failing to qualify for Europe.
He continues to be a driving force in the dressing room as the final year of his contract runs down with United holding a one-year extension option.
Casemiro is set to visit another name tipped to possibly replace him in Adam Wharton when the Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace after the November international break.
The Brazilian missed both winless games against Palace last season after his night to forget at Selhurst Park in the 4-0 drubbing under Erik ten Hag in May 2024.
Kobbie Mainoo, who is set to be replaced by Anderson at the World Cup, and Manuel Ugarte are also both competing to be Amorim’s preferred midfielder.
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