Man United have three weapons to complete dream transfer this summer

It was always going to be an emotional occasion, and so it proved on Sunday, when the 34-year-old made his final appearance at home for the club. But amid all the gestures and gratitude, the plan to sign a replacement has been bubbling away in the background.

Over the next few weeks, it will heat up. Like every club, United would love to have some of their transfer business done before things grind to a halt for the World Cup in North America. That only offers a short window to get things done.

Elliot Anderson is top of the list of midfield targets for United and on Sunday, in opposition against Casemiro, he delivered a performance that won over any doubters. He remains the dream summer transfer.

There are a couple of sizeable hurdles to clear. First, there is the interest from Manchester City and the feeling within the game that the Etihad his preferred destination. Then there is Forest's £100million+ asking price.

But United can't walk away from the 23-year-old without doing all they can to land a player who looks an ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo and could be an Old Trafford mainstay for years to come. There are reasons not to give up hope, as well.

City remains an attractive destination and even if they don't win the league this season, they are building a squad with enviable depth. Anderson looks like an excellent replacement for Bernardo Silva.

But the future of Pep Guardiola could soon become clear and if he decides to walk away from the Etihad, that could easily change the equation. The squad looks set up to cope with Guardiola's exit were he to leave, but there is no doubt he would leave a huge void to fill.

United's renaissance over the second half of this season has at least thrust them into the race. They would have no chance of signing Anderson had they failed to reach Europe again, or even if they were in the Europa League or Conference League. Now, they are back in the Champions League, have finished third this season and look to have momentum behind them.

That is a package you can sell to a player. United's ambition remains to win the Premier League within the next two years, and for the players who do finally end that long wait for a 21st title, hero status awaits.

United won those races because they were aggressive, essentially going to figures City wouldn't reach. The same happened a year ago when Liverpool pushed the boat out for Florian Wirtz.

Perhaps they will be happy to enter a bidding war for Anderson, but United's need for a No.6 is greater, and the former Newcastle midfielder could be the man to fill that position. They have to do all they can to try and strike a deal.

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