Manchester United played out a frustrating 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the road on Saturday.
The Red Devils looked on course for a 1-0 victory after Bryan Mbeumo scored with a precise header in the 32nd minute.
United held onto their lead until the 83rd minute before Spurs made a late comeback.
Mathys Tel and Richarlison scored in the space of just seven minutes, but Matthijs de Ligt salvaged a point with a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser.
United were not helped by frustrating injuries. Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko were all substituted with setbacks in the second half.
Sesko’s departure at 1-1 left the club with 10 men on the field after manager Ruben Amorim had already made his five substitutions.
Substitute Manuel Ugarte was largely at fault for both goals conceded by Spurs, and in our view, United must address their midfield concern soon.
Casemiro has had a good start to the campaign in the number six role, but the Brazil international is no longer in the prime phase of his career.
The 33-year-old does not possess the work rate to sustain the same intensity over 90 minutes.
Casemiro picked up an injury on Saturday, which played a big part in Spurs’ comeback. Ugarte failed to track his runner for the first goal conceded.
The Uruguayan played Richarlison onside for the second goal after another positional blunder. We won’t be surprised if he is sold by next summer.
United need to pursue a young marquee number six, who can establish himself as an undisputed starter.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson would be an ideal solution. The 23-year-old has been one of the best performers at Forest this term despite their league struggles.
Yesterday, he delivered another top-class showing in the league. The Englishman had 70 touches against Leeds United, completing 38 out of 43 passes attempted.
Anderson made seven passes into the final third alongside seven recoveries and five duels won. He capped his display with an exquisite penalty. He received a 7.9/10 rating by Fotmob.
The former Newcastle United man would be a perfect acquisition for the Red Devils. He would cement his spot in the heart of the midfield under Amorim.
He has a Transfermarkt value of £40 million as things stand, but it would surely take double that price to persuade Forest into parting ways with his services.
United should consider a mid-season move for Anderson, but it is more likely that Forest won’t negotiate and may wait until next summer to contemplate his sale.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com