Manchester United are plotting a huge makeover in the summer, as they attempt to bring sustained success back to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are currently fourth in the Premier League table following their victory over Everton on Monday evening, three points clear of their competitors Liverpool and Chelsea.
United have made great strides from hitting rock bottom last season, when they finished 15th under Ruben Amorim, with their summer recruitment playing a huge part in their progress.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško and Senne Lammens have all had a remarkably positive influence on United’s performances and consistency this season.
However, there is still plenty of work to do to improve the squad to ensure they can consistently compete for trophies in the future, and the midfield is set to be the next renovation project for the United recruitment team.
While the future of Michael Carrick and the managerial role continues to dominate headlines, it is widely reported that the Red Devils will also place significant investment into building a future-proof midfield.
Casemiro is coming towards the end of his time in Manchester, with his contract expiring in the summer, while Bruno Fernandes’ future is far from guaranteed, as reports continue to suggest a possible move away from Old Trafford.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliott Anderson has been consistently cited as a top target to replace Casemiro, and now one of his teammates is also being tipped as a potential successor to the United skipper.
According to the Daily Mail, United are interested in signing Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.
The publication claims that several Premier League clubs are monitoring Gibbs-White’s situation on Trentside, but United are keen to secure the talented England international without breaching the new wage structure they have implemented.
Should Manchester United sign Morgan Gibbs-White?
Gibbs-White has been a key protagonist in Nottingham Forest’s current Premier League stint, although he came close to leaving the City Ground last summer.
The 26-year-old – once hailed as a “positive leader” by former Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray – has demonstrated impressive versatility and leadership, which caught the attention of Tottenham Hotspur, who triggered his £60m release clause in July.
However, Forest lodged a complaint against the North London club, claiming they had illegally obtained information regarding the attacking midfielder’s release clause.
This ultimately led to Gibbs-White remaining at the club and signing a new three-year deal just days later.
This season, though, the Garibaldi Reds have found themselves embroiled in a ferocious relegation battle that looks set to go down to the final weeks of the campaign, a situation that could prove hugely advantageous for United’s recruitment plans.
Both Anderson and Gibbs-White are unlikely to remain at the City Ground should Forest be relegated to the Championship, as the pair represent two of the club’s most valuable and sought-after assets.
Ultimately, Man United’s summer plans appear to be centred on building a midfield capable of sustaining success rather than delivering short-term fixes, which is a huge step forward for the club.
With uncertainty surrounding key figures and a clear need for balance, leadership and versatility, a player like Gibbs-White fits the profile of the next phase of the rebuild.
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