Manchester United must bolster their midfield to regain their reputation as a major force in European football.
The Red Devils have already identified several central midfield targets, and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is one of them.
The Telegraph reports that Man United and Newcastle United are two clubs with ‘strong interest’ in the England international but Forest do not intend to sell him in January.
That stance also aligns with United’s own position, as the club have no plans to sign a midfielder in the winter transfer window.
Forest value Anderson in the excess of £100 million, potentially making him the latest Premier League homegrown player to cost nine figures.
Anderson would transform Man United’s midfield
The 23-year-old joined Forest from Newcastle for about £15m in the summer of 2024 and has now become one of the the league’s best midfielders.
His meteoric rise has made him a nailed-on starter in the Three Lions’ team, partnering Declan Rice in manager Thomas Tuchel’s two-man central midfield.
United would benefit immensely from his signing, particularly if they are to stick with their preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.
Anderson is defensively astute. He has won possession 92 times in the league this season, 25 more than United captain Bruno Fernandes, who ranks joint-second.
He has won 82 duels, joint-first with West Ham United’s Lucas Pacqueta, and only Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye (69) has won more ground duels than him (67).
The Newcastle academy graduate oozes class in possession, further adding to his appeal.
He has completed 683 passes, with only Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk (744), Brighton and Hove Albion pair Lewis Dunk (756) and Jan Paul Van Hecke (687) completing more.
Anderson’s passing range is also superb, ranking second for completed final third passes.
It is no surprise that Tuchel has described him as a ‘very complete‘ midfielder.
Man United must ensure that they beat Newcastle and other potential suitors to his signature.
Stats from squawka
