Former Premier League midfielder Gareth Barry has called on Manchester United to pursue Elliot Anderson as a successor to Casemiro. The 34-year-old has already announced he will conclude his Old Trafford career when his contract runs out this summer. United's choice not to present the seasoned midfielder with a fresh deal represents part of their broader squad reconstruction.

Casemiro arrived from Real Madrid for an initial £60million in 2022, with additional payments bringing the overall fee to £70million. He collects approximately £300,000 per week, increasing towards £350,000 if United are competing in the Champions League. Manuel Ugarte's prospects at M16 are also in doubt; numerous names have been suggested as possible successors for the duo.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds, the former Aston Villa man said: "Man United are certainly going to be looking for a Casemiro replacement. Elliot Anderson is probably a slightly different player and a very different age, his skillset is a lot different.

"I like Elliot Anderson. If you're a Man Utd scout, you'll mention him. He's one of the best off-the-ball players. He presses to limit the attacking player's space. He's one of the best around, and he's capable of going the other way as well.

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"That's why Thomas Tuchel's got him in his starting eleven over a lot of big-name players with England, and he's a possible starter for the World Cup team. So I'm sure he's being discussed in the Man United boardroom, as well as maybe other teams.

"I think, from that sort of experience for a player and a club, if the deal is going to happen, try to get it done as soon as possible. I think it just helps everyone. It helps both clubs and helps the player, especially going into a big tournament."

Barry added: "He doesn't want to be thinking about his club future while trying to win the World Cup for England. It's not going to help anyone. Also, the price tag could be a bit steeper if he has a good tournament. If something like that is going to happen and the player's got his head around the fact that it's time for a move, it's certainly better to be done before the tournament than after."

Nevertheless, Nottingham Forest are improbable to permit the 23-year-old's departure after he has become a crucial defensive midfielder at the City Ground since his transfer from Newcastle United in 2024. While a £100million price tag was previously suggested to secure his services, Forest's struggle against the drop could influence that figure.

Vitor Pereira's squad occupies 16th position in the standings, merely three points clear of the relegation places with seven fixtures left to play.