Manchester United have decided to fully commit to signing their dream midfield target in 2026 as they get ready to go “all out” to secure pen to paper
Manchester United have seen a major change to their midfield recently with injuries, suspensions and academy graduates all having an impact.
Injury to United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, left a huge hole in the side as he was forced off in Ruben Amorim’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo has been dealing with a minor injury, which has sidelined him temporarily, leaving an opportunity for more game time for other profiles.
Casemiro has remained in the core of the squad as he has been paired with Manuel Ugarte, and one of the latest academy graduates, Jack Fletcher, son of Darren Fletcher and twin brother of fellow academy player, Tyler Fletcher.
Whilst fans remain optimistic about the future of United’s academy prospects, there is an undeniable gap in the squad that United have found the perfect solution for, with the club ready to commit fully to one player.
Man United ready to go “all out” for Anderson
According to former Man United scout Mick Brown, speaking to FootballInsider, it was revealed that Amorim has identified Elliot Anderson as the perfect option to slot into United’s system.
Brown stated, “Elliot Anderson is the top target for Man United. They should be bending over backwards to bring him in, and from what I hear, they are prepared to go all out because they don’t want to miss out on him.
“Whether it happens in January, I think that’s unlikely because Forest won’t want to lose him. It might be something they have to be patient for, but they should be prepared to do whatever it takes.”
“But he’s seen as the perfect option for Amorim, because he’s showing for forest and England that he can dominate games on his own ability, not just if his team is doing well.”
Anderson has impressed this season for both England and Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest, but the 23-year-old may prove to be difficult to secure in January as Dyche wants to keep the midfielder for the rest of the season.
Anderson would come with a record price tag
Whilst United are prioritising Anderson as their primary target, there are raised concerns over how much it would cost to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford. At the same time, Man City reportedly feel they will be able to beat United to his signature in what is a firm warning to their cross-town rivals
Forest have increased their asking price for Anderson to over £100m as the interest around the Englishman increases.
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This comes as United may face competition from rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool, giving Forest the power to elevate their asking price.
With both clubs currently sat higher in the league than United, Anderson may favour a move which offers Champions League football, which Amorim also aims to secure.
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