Scholes Makes Case for Anderson; Meulensteen Warns Carrick on Striker and Defence Dilemmas

Manchester United's summer rebuild is taking shape, with midfield recruitment firmly in the spotlight as the club prepares for what could be a significant overhaul.

Paul Scholes has made his backing clear for one particular target. The former Red Devils midfielder has publicly advocated for United to pursue Elliot Anderson, the Nottingham Forest star being touted as the club's "dream transfer" option. Though Manchester City are also circling, Scholes believes United should make their move decisively.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Scholes outlined his reasoning. "I really liked him when I was at Newcastle," he explained, referencing Anderson's time at St James' Park before Financial Fair Play rules forced the Magpies to cash in. "What I've seen of him has been nothing short of brilliant, really."

The England international has impressed during his spell with Forest, particularly in their Europa League campaign. Scholes acknowledged that Anderson still has peaks to climb—testing himself in the Champions League remains a key milestone—but expressed confidence in his pedigree. "He looks to me like he'd be able to handle it. Absolutely no problem," Scholes said.

Crucially, Scholes suggested one midfielder would not be sufficient. Pairing Anderson alongside academy prospect Kobbie Mainoo would represent a solid starting point for the new campaign, he indicated.

The push for Anderson comes amid expectations that Manuel Ugarte will depart, following Casemiro's exit. Long-term succession planning for Bruno Fernandes also features in United's thinking, with reports suggesting as many as three midfielders could arrive.

Meulensteen flags striker and defence concerns

Former United assistant Rene Meulensteen has also advocated for Anderson's signing but raised alarm bells elsewhere on the pitch. Speaking to TEAMtalk, he pinpointed two specific problem areas requiring urgent attention.

The striking department tops his concerns. While Benjamin Sesko has shown promise since his arrival and possesses undoubted potential as a young talent, Meulensteen questioned whether United possess a credible number two. "I don't know what the second Manchester United second striker is," he said, calling for the club to pursue an experienced Premier League operator capable of providing both backup and competition.

Meulensteen offered a hypothetical: were Harry Kane to suddenly become available and opt for a return to English football at Old Trafford, he would naturally assume the starting role. But beyond such fantasy scenarios, United require alternatives—seasoned performers who could contribute meaningfully without necessarily commanding the number one spot.

On the defensive side, Meulensteen warned that shoring up the back line remains non-negotiable if United harbour genuine title ambitions. While Harry Maguire's contract extension was sensible and his organisational qualities remain valuable, the critical issue lies in establishing a settled first-choice pairing.

Manager Erik ten Hag's successor will inherit a wealth of defensive options: Leny Yoro, young prospect Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt—currently sidelined through injury. Yet therein lies the paradox. An abundance of choice, Meulensteen suggested, must translate into decisive selection. "He needs to nail his first-choice pairing," Meulensteen stressed. "I still think that is a part of United's vulnerability."

United's defensive uncertainty has represented a recurring weakness, and establishing clarity on this front could prove pivotal to any genuine challenge for silverware.