Did we witness something of a changing of the guard at Manchester United last Sunday?

As Casemiro bid farewell to Old Trafford to a standing ovation on the way to helping his side secure a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest, on the opposite side of him was United's number one target, Elliot Anderson.

If this was the Englishman's audition to Michael Carrick and Co, then it's safe to say he passed it with flying colours.

Anderson not just contributed two assists, but he also dominated the central areas of the pitch, amassing a remarkable 110 touches and 11 defensive contributions.

Yet, as has been made aware to United on several occasions, Manchester City also want him. This will not be a straightforward transfer chase.

Man United looking at Anderson alternatives

While the Forest midfielder is undoubtedly the dream target for the Red Devils this summer, City are reportedly leading the race to secure his signature.

Consequently, Jason Wilcox and his team will be required to turn their attentions elsewhere. Luckily, their shortlist is more of a long list. It includes the likes of Carlos Baleba and Ederson. Both players are reportedly said to have already agreed on personal terms over a prospective move.

Real Madrid duo Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni have also both been linked.

Yet, alongside Anderson, perhaps the most expensive name is Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali. Interest in the Italian midfielder was revealed a few months ago and while the trail had gone cold in recent weeks, reports in Italy have picked it back up again.

Indeed, Juventus-based outlet Tutto Juve reports that both United and Premier League winners Arsenal are looking at prising him away from St James' Park.

It's revealed that both clubs have already held initial talks with the relevant parties, 'informed' about the financial demands Newcastle have placed on Tonali's name.

The asking price is said to have been set at around £70m, cheaper than the £100m fee that was previously reported in the English press.

Why Tonali would be a better signing than Baleba

In recent weeks, much of the discussion in United circles has revolved around Baleba.

Last summer, the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder agreed personal terms with the club and one year on, those terms are still said to be in place. He only wants to join Carrick's men if he leaves the Amex behind.

That being said, there is understandable caution on the side of United, who may not be as keen on the Cameroon star as they were when Ruben Amorim was at the helm. That has nothing to do with the change in manager, but rather, the dip in performance levels from Baleba.

Indeed, while he looked a million bucks during the 2024/25 season, his displays have waned this term, leading to a decrease in transfer value.

That may well suit United, but they need a proven product, particularly if they are to replace Casemiro.

While Baleba's numbers have fallen off, Tonali is outperforming him in some important metrics.

That said, the Italy international would not be an out-and-out replacement for the Brazilian. Whether or not that matters is a debate for another day because he'd still be a fabulous capture, someone capable of fitting seamlessly into the midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.

He's not the duel-winning machine that Baleba or Casemiro, he is far more progressive, something that will no doubt suit a United attack that likes to get forward in swift transitions.

This season, Tonali is producing 4.46 progressive actions per 90 minutes to Baleba's 2.70. Most of that comes from his passing. The Newcastle star gets the ball and plays forward with greater regularity. Tonali has made 3.36 progressive passes per 90 in 2025/26, more than Baleba's 1.71.

We must also take into account how long Tonali has been playing at the top level. Described by Geordie reporter Joel Bland as "one of the best midfielders in Europe", this is someone who has dealt with the intense scrutiny of playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe in AC Milan and he's a player who was playing in the Champions League for Newcastle as recently as the start of this year.

In that regard, Baleba is very inexperienced and with United needing a proven option to replace Casemiro, the Toon star ticks a lot more boxes.