Manchester United are planning to strengthen their midfield department next year.
The Red Devils primarily focused on reinforcing their attack during the summer transfer window.
They brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to add creativity and goals.
Alongside the trio, goalkeeper Senne Lammens and left-back Diego Leon were signed.
United’s priority will shift to the midfield department in 2026.
The Athletic journalist Andy Mitten has now said that the Red Devils would absolutely love to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
He added that the England international is precisely the type of player United want, and personally urged the midfielder to choose the Red Devils.
He said on the ‘Talk of the Devils‘ podcast: “I mentioned Elliot Anderson a few weeks ago — absolutely, Manchester United would love to sign him.
“It’s obvious, and he’s exactly the type of player Manchester United want.
“If you’re listening to this, Elliot Anderson, look at what fellow Geordie Brian Robson did in 1981. You can join one of the biggest football clubs in the world and you can be part of their recovery.
“This train is only going to pass once for you, son. Get on the train, because you will never, ever regret it.
“You can play for middling clubs, you can play for clubs that haven’t treated you well, or you can join Manchester United.”
Anderson would be a dream signing for Man Utd
The 23-year-old has been exceptional since his move to Forest from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024.
He played an instrumental role in Forest qualifying for Europe last term, and has fared much better this campaign despite the club languishing just above the drop zone in the Premier League.
Anderson has completed almost 60 passes per league game with an accuracy of 87 percent. The midfielder has won 7.2 duels on average alongside 8.2 recoveries and 2.8 tackles.
The Newcastle graduate would be a good upgrade on Casemiro in the number six position. Given his relatively young age, he could become a mainstay in the role for the next decade.
Anderson has a Fotmob value of £54 million, but the Red Devils may have to pay significantly more, with Forest eyeing around £100m amid the increasing interest in the player’s signature.
He would still represent value for money, given his current ability and potential to improve in future.
United will need to be proactive in the pursuit, as they may face competition from Liverpool and former club Newcastle for Anderson, who looks poised to make England’s World Cup squad.
Stats from Fotmob.com