Sought-after Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson reveals he idolised Wayne Rooney growing up, after emerging as one of Manchester United’s primary transfer targets this summer.
Manchester United are in the market for new midfielders. With Casemiro’s departure imminent, Ineos must find an adequate replacement as well as one or two more midfielders to add depth to the position.
Nottingham Forest ace Elliot Anderson is United’s top target in midfield. The 23-year-old has been a standout performer in the Premier League this season, warranting his place alongside Kobbie Mainoo in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
While Man City are deemed favourites to sign Anderson, the highly-rated England international continues to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford. There will be no shortage of stories about the former Newcastle ace this summer.
Should Manchester United pay £125m for Elliot Anderson?
Reports suggest Nottingham Forest have set a £125m valuation on Elliot Anderson. 💰
Elliot Anderson inspired by Wayne Rooney
City may be positioning themselves at the front of the queue for Anderson, but United are not giving up without a fight.
Only time will tell if Pep Guardiola’s exit from Man City will have an impact on the club’s attempts to sign top targets like Anderson.
However, it bodes well that Anderson was inspired by United’s all-time top scorer, Wayne Rooney, as a kid.
In a TikTok video with Nottingham Forest, Anderson revealed that his first England shirt had Rooney on the back.
He also admitted that Rooney was his first England inspiration and recalled watching the 2010 World Cup as a kid.
United-linked Anderson will be competing at his first-ever World Cup this summer when England travel to the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Anderson may also have a big decision to make over his future as United and City chase his signature. That will depend on whether Forest receive an offer they deem acceptable after putting a baffling price tag of over £100m on his head.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Manchester United target Elliot Anderson’s first England had Wayne Rooney on the back
- Anderson recalls watching the 2010 World Cup as a kid
- The Nottingham Forest star has been named in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup
Harry Maguire has been left out of England’s World Cup squad ❌🦁 did he deserve a spot on the plane?
Maguire has admitted he is "shocked and gutted". What are your thoughts on Tuchel's decision?😳
Elliot Anderson names Bruno Fernandes as Premier League Player of the Season
Bruno Fernandes was nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season earlier this month, after winning the Football Writers’ Association award for Footballer of the Year.
The United captain is competing for the award against Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Man City’s Erling Haaland, as well as five other Premier League players.
Anderson has told ViaPlay that Fernandes should win the award.
It remains to be seen if Anderson and Fernandes will be teammates next season. The Portugal international was seen talking to the young English midfielder after United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
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