Elliot Anderson’s reputation has skyrocketed since he made the switch to Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024.
Anderson came through the youth ranks at Newcastle and looked promising under Eddie Howe. However, the Magpies sold him to Forest for £35 million to close the PSR gap in the summer of 2024.
At the time, not many batted an eyelid, especially as Anderson wasn’t nailed-on starter in the middle of the park at St James’ Park.
Nottingham Forest value Elliot Anderson at over £100m
A little over a year later, the 23-year-old is viewed as one of the Premier League’s most well-rounded midfielders, piquing the interest of several clubs, including Manchester United. Anderson has also impressed England manager Thomas Tuchel.
The press-resistant midfielder consistently demands the ball. He is efficient in possession and looks to play between the lines. Without the ball, the youngster is positionally aware and doesn’t shy away from doing the dirty work.
Recently, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg reported that United have “registered concrete interest” in the Englishman. It is thought Forest are aware of the Red Devils’ interest and are demanding a fee in the region of £100m.
Anderson open to joining Manchester United
According to Fichajes, United could make an offer of around €100m (£88.2m) to sign Anderson from Forest.
The Spanish outlet claim that the Mancunians have identified the Forest star as an ideal option for their midfield and have made him their “number one target”.
Metric Elliot Anderson Carlos Baleba Adam Wharton
Minutes per game 90 58 79
Total minutes played 900 575 634
Matches played 10 10 8
Goals 0 0 0
Expected goals (xG) 0.79 0.13 0.23
Shots off target 0.4 0.6 0.3
Shots on target 0.2 0.0 0.0
Big chances missed 1 0 0
Assists 1 0 0
Assists per game 0.1 0.0 0.0
Expected assists (xA) 1.34 0.17 1.74
Big chances created 1 0 5
Long balls 2.8 (52.8%) 1.2 (54.5%) 1.8 (38.9%)
Crosses 1.3 (28.3%) 0.0 (0%) 1.0 (47.1%)
Interceptions 0.9 1.0 0.9
Tackles 2.6 1.1 1.4
Dribbled past 1.2 0.7 1.1
Clearances 0.7 1.0 1.0
Blocked shots 0.1 0.0 0.1
Succ. dribbles 1.4 (58.3%) 0.4 (66.7%) 0.8 (66.7%)
Ground duels won 6.3 (57.3%) 2.2 (42.3%) 2.9 (54.8%)
Aerial duels won 1.4 (50.0%) 1.2 (66.7%) 0.3 (22.2%)
Possession lost 17.6 6.1 9.8
Fouls 1.2 1.5 0.6
Was fouled 2.4 0.7 0.8
Yellow cards 2 3 1
Yellow-red cards 0 0 0
Red cards 0 0 0
Anderson is technically more gifted than Manuel Ugarte and has defensive attributes which Kobbie Mainoo lacks.
Further, it is believed the ex-Newcastle man “would welcome” an opportunity to join a big club like United.
His willingness could allegedly tip the scale in the Old Trafford outfit’s favour during negotiations.
Forest have put an enormous asking price on Anderson’s head. Still, United want to “close the deal as soon as possible.”
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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