Manchester United have already undertaken initial steps as they weigh up a possible move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
Manchester United are beginning to show signs of improvement under Rúben Amorim, but before the Liverpool match, many fans were still unsure as to whether Amorim was the man to lead United into 2026.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly backed the former Sporting CP boss during the international break, but United must continue to make improvements or the partial-owner could be forced into a decision he clearly doesn’t want to make.
Whether United choose to stick or twist with Amorim, more signings are needed in the January transfer window, especially in central midfield. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have both struggled to partner Bruno Fernandes, while Amorim appears to see Kobbie Mainoo as a backup option.
Jason Wilcox – United’s Director Football – appears to have been searching for a new defensive midfielder, as United have been continuously linked to Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton since the summer window, with other names also mentioned.
Casemiro looks set to leave at the end of the season, and Ugarte doesn’t look ready to start at Old Trafford. Toby Collyer may need another season on loan before he is ready to compete for a place, while Sékou Koné is struggling with injuries in the under-21s. A new midfielder must be signed.
Romano reveals truth behind Anderson links
Another name mentioned in United’s midfield conversations has been Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The England international has been linked to the club since the start of the summer, but Romano has now confirmed how true United’s interest really is.
The Italian journalist has explained that while their talent is not advanced, they have already taken the first steps by compiling multiple scouting reports on the England international.
Writing in his GiveMeSport newsletter, Romano said: “Nothing is concrete on this [Anderson to United] yet. Just normal scouting activity from what I’m told, but nothing advanced or concrete yet.”
Anderson, who has been described as “phenomenal”, could be looking to leave Forest due to the ongoing turmoil surrounding their management. Ange Postecoglou has just become the second Forest boss to be sacked this season, having now been replaced by Sean Dyche.
While Dyche is a solid Premier League manager, Anderson doesn’t fit into his system as well as his slotted into Nuno Espírito Santo’s tactics. However, the England international could be a brilliant fit for Amorim’s philosophy.
His high-energy and aggressive approach without the ball is exactly what is missing in United’s midfield, while his ability in possession could significantly enhance their ability to break down a low block, something they have struggled with this season.
United may stay clear of Anderson in January
Anderson’s current contract expires in 2029, meaning that United won’t be able to capitalise on a cheaper deal in January. However, if one of the current midfielders left the club, Wilcox would be forced into a midfield signing.
Ugarte hasn’t been linked with a move away, but he could be subject to the new two-year rule that sees players leave the club after 36 months if they haven’t lived up to expectations. Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund became the first examples in the summer.
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Casemiro looks set to leave at the end of the season, and United are unlikely to sell for a minimal fee in January. Mainoo has been linked with a loan move, but won’t be allowed to leave the club.
Fernandes could leave – with clubs in Saudi Arabia heavily linked to the United captain – but losing him mid-season could be a huge blow for Amorim.
Therefore, Anderson, who Forest rate as highly as a £75 million player, could have to wait until the summer window to join United, although another club could come in for him in January.
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