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Man Utd scouts 'impressed' by £43m target, two traits stand out

Manchester United have made Elliot Anderson a top target in 2026 but his Nottingham Forest teammate Ibrahim Sangare could also be on the shopping list.

Ahead of an expected midfield overhaul in the summer transfer window, Elliot Anderson is United’s first-choice target.

But Manchester City also want Anderson and it seems Ineos are underdogs in the race for his signature in the summer.

Anderson is expected to cost £75m or more after a phenomenal season in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.

United have been linked with four Forest stars, and rumours of interest in Ibrahim Sangare are not going away.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare.

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IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?

Elliot Anderson knee slide for Nottingham Forest.

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Man United have scouted Ibrahim Sangare

According to Caught Offside, United scouts have been “impressed” while watching Sangare in action for Forest this season.

His dominance in duels and composure under pressure are two traits that have reportedly impressed United scouts, who have identified the 28-year-old as an ideal candidate to replace Casemiro.

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Casemiro has announced he is leaving in the summer, and United need a midfielder who is capable of filling his void physically and defensively.

If United are going to miss out on Anderson, it seems Sangare could be the next best option for United. United were linked with Sangare in 2022 before he made his move to Forest.

The report adds that Forest are expected to look for a £43 million fee for Sangare this summer.

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Nottingham Forest relegation could help Man Utd land Ibrahim Sangare

With just nine games remaining in the Premier League season, Forest are level on points in 17th position, meaning they are at major risk of being relegated to the Championship.

If Forest were to go down, they would likely sell the majority of their key players, including both Anderson and Sangare.

READ MORE: Man Utd losing out on Elliot Anderson to Man City would leave Ineos with three separate problems

Players would be eager to force their way out of the City Ground and relegation clauses would become active, likely resulting in several bargain opportunities.

Sangare has been impressive this season but has flown under the radar because of his midfield partner Anderson.

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