Liverpool are pressing forward to sign Manchester United target Elliot Anderson
Manchester United have been pressing for changes in their midfield right from the time the summer transfer window kicked in, and it’s going to possibly stay the same in January. The club’s hierarchy is looking for class players who can hold the fort in the middle of the park in Ruben Amorim’s system. To fulfill that target, the Red Devils have been looking at Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
The 22-year-old has been making his name in the Premier League with outstanding performances while plying his trade at Forest. He has dominated games in the engine room for them, and that has placed him on the wishlist of top Premier League clubs.
There comes another report from journalist Pete O’Rourke on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that Anderson’s form has pushed him into a strong position to earn a move to a top club, with England manager Thomas Tuchel already watching him ahead of next summer.
O’Rourke added that both Liverpool and Manchester United now view him as a serious option to strengthen their midfield, while former Premier League executive Keith Brown said Anderson’s current level could earn him a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Forest hold control of the situation since his contract runs until 2029, but their position could weaken if they suffer relegation. Interest keeps growing as Anderson’s form makes him one of the most-watched midfielders in England. The Englishman glides past markers, keeps the ball under pressure, and pushes play forward with pace, turning into the kind of player every manager wants in a high-intensity system.
“I think all the top clubs in the Premier League would be interested in signing Elliot Anderson if there was an opportunity to lure him away from the City Ground.”
“It won’t just be Manchester United who will be interested. Newcastle have openly admitted they would love to bring him back to the club.”
“Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool would all be interested in Elliot Anderson. I think he looks like a certainty to go away to the World Cup now with England.”
“I think that’ll just enhance his reputation if he were to go away to next summer’s World Cup and impress for England, there obviously increases his price tag.”
“Obviously, Forest have him under contract until 2029, so they’re under no real pressure to sell him. The only issue Forest could have is if they were to suffer relegation, they would really struggle to hold on to him then.”
“But look, I think this interest in Elliot Anderson is just going to grow and grow, especially if he continues to impress like he has done for Forest and England in recent months.”
Should United press for Anderson or look elsewhere?
Amorim’s system often leaves Manchester United’s midfield exposed when energetic opponents press them high. The team sometimes loses numbers in central areas, forcing Bruno Fernandes to drop deeper to regain control.
A player like Anderson could help fix this problem. His movement and sharp decision-making could help United regain control without slowing their attack. Still, the question remains: does Anderson fit the physical and tactical profile Amorim truly needs? His technique matches United’s quick transitions, but he doesn’t bring the deep stability that a traditional holding midfielder provides.
That’s why United must think carefully before making a move. They already face uncertainty over Casemiro’s future and the role of Kobbie Mainoo, while United could have second thoughts about splashing the cash for Brighton star Carlos Baleba, despite the defensive midfielder being their prime target.
Meanwhile, with Anderson’s £120 million price tag probably creating hesitation, the club might instead consider players like Adam Wharton, who plays with stronger positional discipline.
We believe Anderson would add flair, but not balance. Amorim’s United need a tempo-setter, not another attacking risk-taker. Unless the manager changes his system to free Bruno Fernandes from deeper duties, United should target a deep-lying midfielder who senses danger early and protects the team’s shape. Anderson’s rise deserves praise, but for United, this choice should depend more on structure than excitement.