Since taking over as interim manager of Manchester United, Michael Carrick has already begun to make huge improvements on the disaster that was Ruben Amorim’s 14-month stint.
One of the most positive changes is the fact that he has brought Kobbie Mainoo back into the first-team fold.
It is no surprise that the Carrington graduate has shone in Carrick’s first three games at the helm. The ex-Red Devils midfielder called his number 37 “terrific” following the game against Fulham over the weekend, explaining that quality is simply “what we expect from him.”
United have been looking at pairing Mainoo with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in midfield, with the Englishman strongly linked with a move.
Why Anderson would be a superb signing for Man United
The three most talked about players in midfield ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window are Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils are linked with all three, but will face tough competition for Anderson, with Manchester City vying for the £100m-rated man.
However, if United do manage to pull this signing off, it could well go down as one of the deals of the summer. The 23-year-old has been at the heart of the Forest midfield this season, playing 30 times across all competitions, chipping in with one goal and two assists.
His all-round game is sensational, with the ex-Newcastle United star able to do it all in the middle of the park. He’s averaging 8.08 successful duels and 1.38 complete take-ons per 90 minutes this term, which places him in the top 3% and 5% of Premier League midfielders.
It is for performances like that against Liverpool at Anfield that Thomas Tuchel called Anderson “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.” He is now England’s first choice next to Declan Rice in the middle of the park, and United want to add him to their squad.
Yet, they might not need to if one Carrington star continues on his current trajectory.
Man United’s in-house Anderson alternative
The Red Devils’ esteemed Carrington academy continues to produce exceptional players year upon year. Mainoo himself is one of the latest examples, and he may soon be joined in midfield by another graduate.
18-year-old Jim Thwaites has impressed once again for United this season. Currently out injured, he is reportedly said to be back to full fitness soon, with Carrick believed to have taken a “liking” to the midfielder.
Considered one of the most exciting talents at Carrington, he was described by scout Ben Mattinson as someone who looks like he just “stepped out of La Masia.” The fact that he’s being compared to a midfielder with the quality to play for Barcelona’s academy tells you everything you need to know about his technical ability.
Indeed, despite his small injury issue in the last few weeks, the midfielder has still played an important role for the Red Devils’ youth sides. He’s featured 18 times across all competitions, notching up three goals and three assists.
One of the real perks to Thwaites’ game is the versatility he possesses. The teenager is a midfielder by trade, operating right across the pitch, as a number six, box-to-box number eight or even as an attacking midfielder. He’s also played on the wing with some degree of success.
Bringing Thwaites through the academy and into the first team could save United millions on Anderson. Ultimately, they are looking for a long-term partner for Mainoo, a key member of the midfield, and with the class the 18-year-old has at his disposal in possession, he could be the player.
With Carrick still at the club for a few more months at least, he could be pivotal in Thwaites’ development and prepare him for life in the first team.
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