Ahead of Manchester United taking on Nottingham Forest, there was a subplot in the form of Elliot Anderson and his Old Trafford links.
The Geordie central midfielder started for Nottingham Forest, and he was very notable within the game, running midfield in a seriously impressive display that Manchester United will have enjoyed.
Elliot Anderson is one of the Premier League’s best midfielders. As a result of his growing excellence in the middle of the park, Anderson is high on United’s midfield shortlist for 2026, and he will only be growing in favour.
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United couldn’t cope with Anderson’s strength, tenacity, and quality in midfield, which saw Casemiro foul him a handful of times.
After the game, his coach discussed his performance.
Elliot Anderson plays pass for Nottingham Forest
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Sean Dyche praises Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest 2-2 Manchester United
Ruben Amorim will have been impressed by Anderson, surely wishing that the impressive talent was instead representing the Red Devils.
Amorim wasn’t the only head coach on the touchline impressed, with Sean Dyche also praising his midfielder, although he did have one problem, as quoted by Simon Stone.
“Moans a lot, but we will get that out of him. He is a really good player.”
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Anderson was outstanding, but Dyche as a coach won’t like the moaning; however, United will have to hope that in fixing this, his creative brilliance doesn’t get coached out of him.
Elliot Anderson passes his United audition with flying colours
Last week, Carlos Baleba failed to impress in his United audition as his poor season continued, which wouldn’t have put confidence into the United recruitment staff that he should be signed.
But this weekend, Anderson had the chance and passed with flying colours, which will have catapulted him into the top spot certainly for United.
90 minutes
74 per cent passes
45 passes
3 chances created
81 touches
2/2 dribbles
15 passes into the final third
16 defensive contributions
14 recoveries
1 tackle
7/14 duels won
United won’t care about the 22-year-old moaning when he performs to such a high level, and performances like this perfectly demonstrate why he is and will continue to be such a hot commodity.
Anderson has been valued at £75m, which is more than an acceptable fee to pay for a midfield general who could be at the club for a decade.
Now, United need to get the deal done.