Manchester United transfer target Elliot Anderson played a key role as Vitor Pereira took charge of his first game as Nottingham Forest beat Fenerbahce in a first-leg tie on Thursday night.
It’s been a difficult season of no European football for Manchester United.
Michael Carrick is trying to fix that since becoming United’s head coach following a run of positive results since he returned to the club in January.
Since then, United have won four matches and drawn one. They are back in action when they travel to Everton in the Premier League on Monday night.
Is Elliot Anderson the standout midfield option for Manchester United?
How much would you want United to spend on him this summer…
Elliot Anderson duels
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Ineos have a big decision to make at the end of the season, picking a permanent head coach. They will also be busy working with scouts to identify transfer targets who will help take the team to the next level.
Qualifying for the Champions League ahead of next season would certainly make it easier for United to attract the players they want.
Elliot Anderson playing against Fenerbahce in the Europa League
Photo by Serhat Cagdas/Anadolu via Getty Images
Elliot Anderson shines in Europa League against Fenerbahce
Anderson is one of United’s primary targets ahead of the summer.
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There will be a focus on revamping United’s midfield, with several alternatives linked to the club, including Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba.
Anyone watching Anderson’s performance against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday night would have been impressed as Forest took a stride towards the Europa League last 16.
It was Pereira’s first match as manager after replacing Sean Dyche, and he would have been happy with Anderson’s performance on the night.
Forest won the match 3-0, but Anderson, who was taken off in the 68th minute, set up Murillo for the opening goal after 21 minutes. The other goals were scored by Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Anderson played a more attacking role against the Turkish giants and helped Forest dictate the tempo of the game while he was on the pitch.
With a three-goal lead going into the second leg of the tie, Forest look set to progress in the Europa League.
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Anderson or Wharton graphic
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Elliot Anderson stats vs Fenerbahce
Anderson’s performance against Fenerbahce helps explain why he is one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League right now.
It wasn’t a masterclass by any means. Anderson just made the game look easy, despite giving up possession on multiple occasions.
Anderson registered one assist and had an 86% pass success rate, managing seven passes into the final third and touching the ball three times in the opposition box.
The 23-year-old recovered the ball five times and won 100% of his aerial duels.
Forest host Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
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