Elliot Anderson is among the most wanted midfielders in the Premier League after attracting widespread interest from clubs like Manchester United.
Nottingham Forest ace Elliot Anderson has gone from strength to strength after making his England debut against Andorra in September.
Anderson emerged as a Manchester United target following failed attempts to sign Carlos Baleba in the summer.
Ruben Amorim is expected to reinforce his options in 2026, with Anderson listed as the primary target to be part of the much-needed midfield revamp.
As things stand, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro start in the double pivot, but there are no guarantees that both players will be at Old Trafford next season.
Anderson has been warned about the difficulties of playing for United, but taking the next step in his career was never going to be easy when that next step is at the very top of English football.
Elliot Anderson and Marcus Rashford warming up
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Elliot Anderson must snub Man City and sign for Man Utd
After standing out in multiple games for Forest, other top Premier League clubs are inevitably going to join the race for Anderson.
The 23-year-old can play as a No.6 or 8, which will appeal to United, provided they can fight off interest from other clubs.
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According to the Daily Mail, Man City are ready to make Anderson one of their top targets in 2026. It is understood that Pep Guardiola and City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, are big admirers of the midfield ace.
It is also claimed that Forest will reject any advances in January, but a transfer could materialise ahead of next summer’s World Cup if offers approaching £100m are made.
This means Anderson may have a chance to pick between United and City, and there should only be one winner because many midfielders have struggled to get into their side under Guardiola.
Kalvin Philips is a perfect example after starring for Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa. He failed to have the same impact at City and is currently on loan at Championship side Ipswich Town.
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Moreover, once Rodri returns from injury, City will have an array of midfield options, including Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Oscar Bobb, Ryan Cherki and Nico Gonzalez.
So, it goes without saying that City’s midfield will be very difficult to break into.
It’s a different story at United — unless you ask Kobbie Mainoo.
Anderson is United’s primary target, and there’s a natural spot opening up with Casemiro’s contract winding down, while rumours still exist around Bruno Fernandes and Saudi Arabia.
That reason alone should see Anderson pick United over City. It would give him a better chance of cementing a place in the team.
Elliot Anderson can join list of Man Utd players to snub Man City
Several players have turned down the chance to join Guardiola at City to play for United.
That list includes Alexis Sanchez, Fred and Harry Maguire.
Maguire is the only player on that list who is in the current team.
Anderson will be hoping to have a greater impact on the team than Fred and Sanchez, if he completes a move to United in 2026.