Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have both reacted to Manchester United being linked with a stunning move for Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Elliot Anderson has impressed during his time at City Ground after Nottingham Forest signed the rising midfielder from Premier League side Newcastle in 2024.
The 23-year-old former Newcastle player’s run of form at Forest has seen Anderson climb into the England national team under Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.
Manchester United have been linked with Anderson and Forest are desperate to keep hold of their prized asset for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.
Anderson is under contract at City Ground until 2029 and Forest have reportedly slapped a price tag in excess of £100m to fend off interest in the player.
Paul Scholes asked about Man Utd’s transfer links with Nottingham Forest and England talent Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest have ruled out selling Elliot Anderson in the January transfer window amid Premier League clubs being linked with the England midfielder.
Anderson has appeared on the radar of United and former side Newcastle as well, with Arsenal being another Premier League side appearing to show interest.
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Speaking on ‘The Good, The Bad & The Football’ podcast, Paul Scholes is not convinced that United will be prepared to splash out big to sign Anderson.
“Elliot Anderson’s a really good player,” he said.
“Look, I think they need a bit more than Anderson to get to where they want to be to be challenging. But no, I think he’s a really good player.”
United legend Scholes explained that while he could see the England international benefiting the Red Devils, Anderson is more suited for another midfield role.
“When he was at Newcastle, I thought he was a good player. I thought he’s more of an attacking midfielder,” he continued.
“I didn’t see him in this role that he’s playing for England as a No 6, they call it these days, but no, he looks a really good player.
“I think he’s athletic enough as well, and yeah, I think he’d be a really good signing.”
What Nicky Butt had to say about Man Utd’s interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson
Anderson having his name linked with United is not surprising, with the Red Devils expected to add a new midfielder to Ruben Amorim’s squad in 2026.
Nicky Butt, much like fellow Class of ’92 star Scholes, remains unsure if United will try to sign Anderson from Forest amid the hefty price tag on the England star.
But the 50-year-old United legend shared the sentiments of Scholes over the talents of Anderson, who has been labelled as a “top, top player” for what he has done.
“I think it’s what the board and the manager want from a player to get where you want to be,” Butt said.
“They need a lot more than just that. But is he better than the ones you got in now?
“And that’s what always should be. You should always get players [who] are better than what you got in the building.
“And looking at what you’re doing now, for me, is [that] he looks like a potentially a top, top player.”
Anderson has made 56 appearances for Forest since his transfer from Newcastle and the Three Lions international has netted three times and registered seven assists.
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