Ryan Giggs issues plea as Man United transfer trick repeat eyed for £100m move

With the FA Cup quarter-finals dominating this weekend's schedule following the international break, United won't be in action again until the home fixture against Leeds on Monday, April 13. United are well placed to secure a return to Europe's elite competition after impressive strides under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.

While several top-flight managers will become available this season, achieving a top-four finish would boost Carrick's prospects. Sitting in third place, United hold a one-point advantage over Aston Villa and a five-point cushion over Liverpool, with a top-five finish likely sufficient to guarantee Champions League participation. Here's a summary of the latest developments from Old Trafford...

Strengthening United's midfield is a priority for the club during the summer. With Casemiro departing at the season's conclusion and Manuel Ugarte potentially following suit, several new middlemen could be recruited.

Among the numerous players consistently linked is Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, who has earned Ryan Giggs' endorsement. The club legend told Webby & O'Neill: "I always like a left-footer in the team, so I wouldn't argue with Wharton.

"I think he looks like a Man United player. Somebody who can handle the ball, passes forward, runs forward, Premier League experience."

Giggs also praised Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, adding: "Anderson, I like as well. Solid player, plays every game. I can see a Wharton and Mainoo, an Anderson and Wharton. I can see all of those scenarios.

"It just depends, [because] British players are a lot of money and what we're able to spend. But we need two midfielders"

United could lodge an early approach for Anderson this summer to secure a more affordable transfer fee, according to The Sun. The former Newcastle midfielder is another name linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have also been mooted as possible destinations, with United eager to avoid entering a bidding war for a player already valued close to the £100m mark.

Given that Anderson is anticipated to feature prominently in England's World Cup plans, his valuation could rocket if he impresses in North America. Consequently, United would be shrewd to deploy a tactic witnessed last summer by moving rapidly to land their targets.

The club finalised a £62.5million agreement with Wolves for Matheus Cunha as the transfer window opened, before securing a £71m deal with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo. Both have enjoyed impressive debut campaigns at Old Trafford. Moving quickly and decisively could prove crucial in capturing Anderson.