MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
The deal to bring him to Old Trafford could smash the club’s transfer record according to reports.
The 22-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents and is now firmly on Ruben Amorim’s radar after impressing in Forest’s clash with United at the City Ground.
Amorim was full of praise for the England hopeful before kick-off, describing him as a “very good player” and it appears that admiration has turned into genuine interest.
Anderson dominated against United, showing the control, energy and maturity that Amorim’s side have been sorely lacking in midfield.
While Casemiro grabbed his second goal in as many games, many fans believe targeting Anderson rather than extending the Brazilian’s deal would signal a real shift from the old Ed Woodward era.
MAN DOWN
Amorim’s brutal blast at Manuel Ugarte in front of Man Utd team-mates revealed
Grand ban
Turkey FA bans 1,024 players as stunning betting scandal rocks country
Anderson caught the eye early on by dribbling out of danger before threading a piercing ball into the United third, drawing loud applause from Forest boss Sean Dyche, who was left clapping throughout the match.
Dyche couldn’t hide his admiration afterwards, saying: “He’s still learning the nuts and bolts positionally.
“But he’s a very good player. He deals with the ball well, he’s got great technique and a really good attitude.
“Even if he moans a bit! He’s learning quickly about the Premier League.”
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
Anderson’s all-action display has even drawn comparisons with Steven Gerrard, combining drive with discipline as he helped create Morgan Gibbs-White’s equaliser.
He was fouled three times, made three key passes and completed 74 per cent of his passes, while winning most of his ground duels.
His average position sat perfectly on the halfway line, showing his ability to balance attack and defence like a seasoned pro.
United, meanwhile, could face a major midfield shake-up next year.
Casemiro is expected to leave, Bruno Fernandes has hinted at a decision to come after the World Cup and Kobbie Mainoo continues to struggle for game time after his summer loan request was blocked.
Mainoo hasn’t started a Premier League match since May and remains on the fringes under Amorim.
Anderson, on the other hand, is pushing hard for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of next summer’s tournament in the USA.
Should he star alongside Declan Rice, United could once again follow the Sir Alex Ferguson tradition of signing the standout English player from a major tournament as they did with Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Owen Hargreaves.
Reports suggest Forest have already been informed of United’s interest, and any deal would likely cost in excess of £100million, eclipsing the £89m the club paid for Paul Pogba in 2016.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
WET AND WILD
Scots face 14 hours of torrential rain & floods with warning covering Glasgow
SORRY STATE
Scots football pundit forced to APOLOGISE to SFA over VAR ‘cover up’ claim
Anderson isn’t the only English midfielder being monitored, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton also on United’s list but Amorim is believed to see Anderson as the ideal long-term replacement for Casemiro.
With his form rising and his reputation growing by the week, United’s move for Anderson could soon become the headline transfer story of 2025.
By Samuel Luckhurst
ELLIOT ANDERSON is now on the radar of Manchester United fans after Ruben Amorim mentioned him at his pre-match press conference. The Nottingham Forest midfielder was described as a “very good player” by the Portuguese manager.
Anderson impressed at the City Ground on Saturday. He started the action in the fifth minute by dribbling out of trouble and playing a sharp pass into United’s third, putting Forest on the front foot early in the game.
Forest boss Sean Dyche was full of praise for the 22-year-old. Dyche said: “He’s still learning the positionally, but he’s a very good player. “He deals with the ball well, has a good attitude, and moans in a good way. He’s learning as he goes in the Premier League.”
Anderson’s performance drew comparisons with a young Steven Gerrard. He was fouled three times, made three key passes, and his pass to Ryan Yates helped set up Morgan Gibbs-White’s equaliser. He finished the game with 74 per cent passing accuracy and dominated many ground duels.
Manchester United could need two or three midfielders next season. Casemiro is expected to leave, Bruno Fernandes may decide his future after the World Cup, and Kobbie Mainoo is not getting game time. This leaves a chance for a talent like Anderson to step in.
Anderson is not the only English midfielder United are watching, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton also impressing. But Anderson has shown he can play in a deeper role if needed and could become a key part of United’s midfield in the near future.
Read the story in full
