Man Utd's priority transfer targets compared this season with clear top choice

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During the last summer transfer window, Manchester United determined that revitalising the attacking line represented a more pressing priority than bolstering the midfield. This summer, however, they could well revisit some prospects after waiting an extra 12 months to see how they have developed.

An absence of European competition and a spell of rejuvenation from Casemiro has enabled United to manage perfectly adequately without further midfield reinforcement. A top-four finish remains a distinct possibility but the Brazilian is departing and a fresh starting midfielder will seem essential - while United might even need two new additions in the area if they have extra football to play next term.

Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott and Adam Wharton were all mentioned as potential signings last summer, with no transfer materialising for any of the quartet for various reasons. All four have remained at their clubs and got another Premier League season under their belts.

So, in the last 12 months, have any of them strengthened or weakened their cases ? Mirror Football examined more closely how they've fared this season after all remaining at their clubs.

Anderson has stood firm in the face of considerable upheaval at club level this campaign. Nottingham Forest are now on their fourth permanent boss of the season - a Premier League record - yet he has succeeded in looking superb within a struggling outfit.

The former Newcastle prospect has also cemented his status on the international stage, having only made his debut in September yet retaining his spot in every single Thomas Tuchel squad since. He's been named in the starting XI for five of six matches and already appears nailed on for the World Cup squad, whilst building a compelling argument to start the opening fixture.

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Anderson's ability to evade pressure, positional awareness and work rate make him an exceptionally rare find. At just 23, he could yet reach new heights if he leaves the City Ground.

Grade: 9/10

While Anderson has maintained his standards despite his side's dip in form, there's an argument that Baleba's slump has been a major factor behind Brighton's underwhelming campaign. The Cameroon international ended last season in impressive fashion but has been prepared to acknowledge he hasn't reached those levels on a consistent basis this time round.

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"I feel more relaxed now," he revealed to Sky Sports in February, suggesting a change of scenery at the Africa Cup of Nations helped him rediscover his rhythm. "The noise about me outside, I didn't understand. I didn't look on the websites. I'm more focused on me, myself and for my team-mates."

At 22, he still has plenty of room for development. That said, there hasn't been the same feeling as last season that he's been performing at a standard to warrant the nine-figure price tag being touted last term.

Grade: 6/10

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Despite the considerable player turnover at Bournemouth this season, Scott has remained and made a significant impact. The Cherries saw their defence decimated in the summer and had Antoine Semenyo leave for Manchester City in January, piling on the pressure for players like Scott to rise to the occasion.

There have been some standout performances, but he was the first to acknowledge that consistency hasn't always been present - though at 22 he can easily improve on that front if given time. "I think there were a few games where my levels dropped, but I'm back to my best. I'm definitely in the form of my life," the former Bristol City star told BBC Radio Solent in February.

He secured his first England call-up in November but didn't make it onto the pitch for his debut and subsequently missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the March internationals. There's a case to be made that the resurgent Kobbie Mainoo has claimed the spot that could have been his, sparking debate about whether he's the right fit for United.

Grade: 7/10

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Crystal Palace ace Wharton has joined Mainoo in making the cut for Tuchel's latest squad. The former Blackburn midfielder played his first international matches in nearly 18 months when he featured against Serbia and Albania in November and certainly appears to have won Tuchel's respect.

Wharton is comfortable in possession and has looked confident spraying passes around in an inconsistent Palace side. That said, there remain doubts about his ability to help unlock more defensive sides, something which could be a bigger requirement at Old Trafford despite not being his primary function at Selhurst Park.

Whether Wharton represents the right choice may hinge on United's other midfield business. Speculation surrounding a Bruno Guimaraes transfer has intensified recently and Wharton's attributes would seem to complement those of the Brazilian - although more sales may be required to raise funds for a double swoop.