Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is monitoring James McCarthy's form at Wigan Athletic this season.

Ferguson is a big fan of the youngster and sees him as the type of box-to-box midfielder his squad is lacking.

McCarthy has also been linked with a £10 million move to Chelsea, though Ferguson's friendship with Wigan chairman Dave Whelan could swing any deal in his favour.

Ferguson isn't expected to make a serious move for McCarthy until next summer, though his plans could be brought forward if he can find a buyer for Anderson.