Journalist Andy Mitten has claimed that Manchester United could be in a great position to sign Premier League star Elliot Anderson in the summer window.
Manchester United spent around £200m in the summer transfer window, but didn’t manage to bring a midfielder to the club that could challenge the places of Bruno Fernandes or Casemiro, who have both made solid starts to the season.
The Red Devils have been linked to a multitude of midfielders, including Carlos Baleba, who looked the most likely to make the switch from Brighton to Manchester towards the end of the summer. Rúben Amorim is reportedly desperate to sign a new midfielder in 2026.
The reported fee in excess of £100 million would have made the Cameroonian international United’s most expensive transfer ever, and would’ve brought high expectations for him to hit the ground running.
However, no signings were made, which has left the midfield duo of Fernandes and Casemiro under a lot of pressure. The pair have been mostly solid this season, but have been completely overrun in certain matches.
With Casemiro turning 34 next year, the Brazilian is not getting any younger, and even Bruno Fernandes has attracted considerable interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. If one were to leave the club at the end of the season, this could provide United with the funds necessary to purchase a midfielder.
Manchester United ‘Well positioned’ to sign Anderson
Following on from the weekend’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, fans of United were able to see an impressive performance from England international Elliot Anderson. This could provide supporters with a taster of what to expect if Anderson were to make the switch to Old Trafford.
The midfielder has been hailed as one of Forest’s best players and has been put into the category of one of the best midfielders in the league.
Andy Mitten, speaking on The Talk of the Devils podcast, claimed: “Elliot Anderson is the one who would be well-positioned at the moment for Man Utd. I’m choosing my words extremely carefully.”
Mitten himself said he cannot go into detail about exactly how close or interested either party is in making a deal happen, but what he is certain about is that United’s “midfield is going to change in the next few years.”
This will undoubtedly result in new faces being brought into the club to try and improve this area. Elliot Anderson, formerly of Newcastle United, is only 22 years of age and was a shining light in Forest’s last season, where they managed to finish seventh despite being favourites for relegation.
It must be made clear that Mitten has provided no substantial evidence at this point, but it is clear there is interest in the Forest midfielder, and there is no doubt that, on paper, Anderson looks a good signing for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Is Anderson United’s long-term midfield solution?
It has already been reported that United are thinking of offering Casemiro a contract on reduced weekly wages for the upcoming season, as the Brazilian has impressed during the start of the season in Amorim’s system.
However, there is no guarantee the 33-year-old will accept this deal, and even if he does, he is not the long-term option for United.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo have both struggled for minutes this season, with Mainoo having been linked to loan moves away from the club. If Elliot Anderson were to make the move to Old Trafford, the 22-year-old would have to hit the ground running to prove to fans he is a better option than what the club already has.
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It is difficult to say if Anderson is the correct signing to lead the midfield under Amorim, as it could be pointed out that two young prospects are not getting many minutes, who have similar characteristics to Elliot Anderson
It will become clearer towards the end of the season how interested United are in signing Anderson and how interested he is in moving away from Forest.
The transfer is dependent on whether Amorim gives certain players more minutes or if experienced players can maintain their good form, which will become more apparent to fans towards the back end of the season, closer to the summer window, as a move in January seems unlikely.
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