Alan Shearer has picked out a key detail from Elliot Anderson’s performance against Liverpool that makes him an eye-catching Manchester United target for Ruben Amorim.
Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson has been linked with Manchester United amid the Red Devils’ pursuit of a new midfielder in 2026.
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Anderson has impressed during his time at Forest and has attracted interest from several different clubs, including Liverpool, Newcastle, Arsenal and Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old Nottingham Forest star’s run of form at City Ground has even led to him earning his England debut back in September under Thomas Tuchel.
Anderson has reportedly been valued at around £100m and Forest are keen to keep hold of the England international for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Alan Shearer’s praise for Man Utd-linked Elliot Anderson speaks volumes after Nottingham Forest’s stunning upset
Nottingham Forest have been fighting back against the Premier League relegation threat and have received a major manager bounce under Sean Dyche.
Sean Dyche’s men travelled to Anfield on Saturday and Forest defied the odds and stunned defending Premier League champions Liverpool with their performance.
Liverpool’s erratic form saw Forest seal all three points after an emphatic 3-0 result, with Manchester United-linked midfielder Elliot Anderson playing a starring role.
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Manchester United average 1.73 points per game in matches with less than 50% possession, and just 0.79 points with more than 50% possession.
Anderson played the full 90 minutes against Liverpool and Alan Shearer was impressed with how much space he could command in the midfield area.
Speaking on the selection of his Team of the Week, he told the Premier League’s official website: “Easily the best midfielder on the pitch.
“Liverpool couldn’t get close to him. He dominated the middle of the park with his excellent passing and vision.”
Elliot Anderson’s midfield performance is what Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim needs in his two-man pivot
Ruben Amorim is expected to lose Casemiro in 2026, with the United midfielder in his final 12 months of his current deal with the Premier League club.
Casemiro has been a key midfield influence for United manager Ruben Amorim and Ineos must find the perfect replacement for the Brazil international next summer.
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United were unable to bring a new midfielder to Old Trafford back in the summer and the Red Devils’ midfield has looked vulnerable in the current campaign.
Bruno Fernandes has been playing in a deeper midfield role in Amorim’s tactical system for United alongside Casemiro and the pair have looked vulnerable at times.
The two-man midfield pivot in United’s set-up can leave the Red Devils susceptible to being overloaded by opposition Premier League teams.
Considering the space that Anderson was able to create against Liverpool, the England international could be well worth the investment for United next summer.
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