Manchester United have been dealt a double blow in their midfield rebuild after missing out on Elliot Anderson and losing Manuel Ugarte to a serious knee injury. Former United striker Teddy Sheringham has urged the club to prioritise a move for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.
Anderson Joins Manchester City
Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson for approximately £116 million, ending United's hopes of landing the midfielder. Anderson was seen as a potential long-term successor to Casemiro, whose departure was announced earlier this year. United have been linked with numerous midfield targets, but Sheringham believes Wharton should be the top priority.
Sheringham Backs Wharton Move
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Sheringham said: "Adam Wharton missing out on the World Cup makes it a good time for Manchester United to get that deal done. I think Elliot Anderson is the better player but I do like the both of them. They’re both very comfortable on the ball." He added: "There’s been a lot of talk about Elliot Anderson going to Manchester United but Anderson or Wharton would be a very good acquisition for me."
Sheringham emphasised the need for players who can win the ball high up the pitch and keep play going in the final third, comparing the role to Michael Carrick's influence at Old Trafford. "You need to box them in. You can’t rely on hitting teams on the break when you’re at Old Trafford," he said.
Ugarte Sidelined by Knee Injury
Compounding United's midfield crisis, Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury while playing for Uruguay in a World Cup group-stage match against Spain. The club confirmed the injury in a statement: "Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury whilst representing Uruguay in Friday's World Cup group-stage match against Spain. Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale."
Ugarte wrote on Instagram: "Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country’s history... Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense." He added: "Success in life is about starting again every time you fall."
Ugarte, who joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, had been considered surplus to requirements this summer, but the injury is likely to scupper any plans to sell him. The setback leaves United short of options in midfield, with the club now expected to accelerate their pursuit of a new signing.
