Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has praised the club for their decision to opt out of the race for Elliot Anderson’s signature.
Manchester United have walked away from Elliot Anderson, with Wes Brown backing their decision to avoid overpaying for midfield targets despite fan criticism.
The Red Devils have endured a frustrating summer in their pursuit of reinforcements in the middle of the park. Elliot Anderson completed a blockbuster £116 million move to Manchester City, while Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £100 million. Spurs also secured Mateus Fernandes for £85 million, leaving United to miss out on three of their reported midfield targets.
Brown believes INEOS deserve credit for sticking to their financial principles instead of entering inflated bidding wars, despite the fact that their decisions haven’t gone down well with the fans.
“I think it’s smart. I know some people think it will bite them (holding back), but I think it’s the right way,” Brown told TEAMtalk.
“Over the years, United have overpaid for too many players. Now, we’re at the stage where the prices have been bumped up a little bit more, and it’s a game of, you know, well, if you don’t pay, you’re not going to get…
“But I think if you take a strong stand, you get more respect from it in the long run, and I think it’s some of that we’ve needed to do for a while.”
United’s cautious approach comes amid INEOS’ wider efforts to improve the club’s financial position following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United in a deal worth around £1.3 billion. The new hierarchy have prioritised sustainable spending after inheriting a difficult financial situation and are determined not to repeat the costly mistakes of the previous regime.
The club’s stance has undoubtedly limited their options in the market, with several high-profile midfielders moving elsewhere. However, United appear unwilling to sanction deals they believe represent poor value, even if it means missing out on elite talent.
The Red Devils are still expected to strengthen in midfield before the transfer window closes. Michael Carrick is overseeing a rebuild in the centre of the pitch following Casemiro’s departure, and Manuel Ugarte’s ACL injury that left them with few options in the centre of the park.
Rather than committing enormous sums to a single player, United are believed to be focusing on targets who offer greater value and fit within the club’s revised financial model.
Brown has backed United’s decision
Anderson, with his work rate, great defensive awareness, and press-resistant ball-carrying ability, would have been an ideal fit for Carrick’s system. His versatility and all-round ability could have done wonders for them. However, the finances involved were beyond their reach, and they have lost out on him to rivals Manchester City.
Brown further added: “It’s a tough one. I know we need somebody to replace all the experience and build on the high standards Casemiro brought, and I’ve always said I like Wharton. He has the ability and temperament needed. He’s a local boy [from Blackburn], so he should have no issues settling down.
“I don’t know how much he would cost, but he’s of the age [22] where he’s going to give you some returns and hopefully a profit down the line.
“Look, I think Anderson’s bumped everybody’s prices up a bit, but again, listen, I love Anderson, and the fee has nothing to do with him. He’s a very good player, as is Wharton.
“And I know United have to be careful and make sure they don’t overpay, but he [Wharton] is the one we should go for.”
While Anderson has already proved himself in the Premier League with two highly successful seasons with Nottingham, and he could have slotted straight into the Red Devils’ starting XI, overpaying for him could have disrupted their plans as a whole.
They are already closing in on the signing of Ederson from Atalanta, and Brown believes they should now push for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who could help replace Casemiro in the long run.
