The driving Wilcox is moving to sign a bigger English star than Man Utd's Anderson

If it was going to be an interview at Old Trafford, Elliot Anderson passed it with flying colors on Sunday afternoon, with the Manchester United goal looking very good at the heart of the Nottingham Forest pitch.

It was England's poor ball from the right that saw Morato score Forest's equaliser, and he then fired the ball into the area to combine with fellow World Cup hopeful Morgan Gibbs-White to make it 3-2.

Those two moments of magic highlighted another string in the 23-year-old's bow, a fitting performance on a day when United said goodbye to their central midfielder, Casemiro.

Did the Brazilian's emotional, tumultuous dismissal affect Anderson at all in terms of his future destination? Or will Geordie join rivals Manchester City as expected this summer?

Either way, the Red Devils should not let this summer be defined by their interest in him, there are many other important things to plan for as well.

Man Utd boss Wilcox moved to sign the £70m Premier League star

Anderson was cheered on by United fans outside the Theater of Dreams at the weekend, and had a brief word with Bruno Fernandes in full.

It was hard to see even a flicker of emotion, or a wink or knowing glance from the former Newcastle United man, however, as he gave no indication that he would play under Michael Carrick next season.

The asking price of £120m may seem prohibitive for Jason Wilcox and co, though, especially in other areas of the team that need strengthening, either on the left or at left back.

Looking to replace Luke Shaw in that latter role, talkSPORT have reported that Wilcox is leading United's interest in Newcastle international Lewis Hall, amid uncertainty over the youngster's future at St James' Park.

According to the report, Wilcox is the 21-year-old's 'biggest player', and the Magpies could face a real battle to keep hold of him, as do Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.

Reports elsewhere have suggested that Hall – who is set to join Anderson at Thomas Tuchel's side this summer – could cost around £70m, having cost the Tynesider an initial £28m in 2024.

Why Hall would be a bigger talent than Anderson

As seen in Sunday's meeting with Forest, Anderson is enjoying a fine season at the City Ground, emerging as a real icon alongside Gibbs-White, while enjoying his senior England success in the autumn.

He was part of the tricky Tricky Trees run to the semi-finals of the Europa League, and if there could be any concern about the deal, it would be his lack of real experience at the highest level, both for club and country.

He has only played in the Champions League twice in his career so far, when he was untested in an England shirt, with Kobbie Mainoo the star midfielder at Euro 2024 just two years ago.

Throwing out such a big price tag for a player on the rise would represent a gamble, and the young Hall could be a surefire target, given his potential in recent big games.

Indeed, the former Chelsea star recently shone for Newcastle in the Champions League with Barcelona, ​​hailed as 'aunt Lamine Yamal' by the Spanish media at the time.

His impressive performance against Europe's best talent has seen him hailed as “one of the best left-backs in the world” by teammate Kieran Trippier, an important accolade considering he is still only 21.

Like Anderson, too, his quality has been seen many times against Man United in recent times, with two of his three career goals coming at Old Trafford.

In the meeting in December, for example, he was very good as the visitors failed, he attempted six of seven balls, made 15 passes in the final third and registered 11 balls.

Injuries have affected his Newcastle journey at times, although Hall has made 46 appearances in all competitions this season, making the backfield his own under Eddie Howe.

Where he may also have the edge over Anderson is his natural versatility, having played in central midfield as a youngster at Chelsea, comfortable on the ball in any role.

With ten Champions League games under his belt this season, Hall has shown what he can do against Europe's stars, something Anderson is yet to prove.

Considering the Newcastle man can play both as a left-back, or a deep-lying midfielder, Wilcox could be a winner by bringing him into the fold this summer, which may be more important than signing Anderson.