Manchester United find themselves in a transfer battle with rivals Manchester City for Elliot Anderson’s signature.
In a dream scenario, Manchester United will wave goodbye to Casemiro at the end of the season and welcome Elliot Anderson as his replacement.
Anderson is United’s top target, but a £125m price tag is something Ineos will refuse to match.
According to reports, Manchester City are favourites for Anderson, but United remain in the race and there are two factors that could yet go in their favour.
Should Manchester United pay £125m for Elliot Anderson?
Reports suggest Nottingham Forest have set a £125m valuation on Elliot Anderson. 💰
Man City face points deduction and Pep Guardiola uncertainty
The whole footballing world is waiting to hear a verdict from City’s 115 charges, and a significant points deduction could be heading their way – potentially even enough to doom them to relegation.
That alone should be enough to make signings think twice about making a move to the Etihad Stadium.
But there is no denying that, even during City’s ongoing case, players have made the move to play under Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard is undoubtedly one of the best managers around, but his future at City also appears to be in doubt.
Guardiola’s contract is currently set to end in 2027, and he told ESPN Brazil that he is thinking of stepping away from football entirely when he leaves City.
There have been rumours that could happen at the end of this season, rather than in 2027. Losing Guardiola would lose the majority of City’s transfer appeal, especially for a midfielder like Anderson.
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
Man Utd must solve their manager uncertainty to convince Elliot Anderson
Like City, though, United are also in a position of not knowing who will take charge of the club in 2026/27.
Michael Carrick is the favourite for the job after a very successful interim spell, but there are still calls from Gary Neville to go and hire a “world-class” manager instead.
Carrick would be the best head coach for Anderson given their Newcastle ties and shared position as defensive midfielders.
Anderson would be able to learn from Carrick and take his game to a new level at Old Trafford, but the Nottingham Forest star will want to know for sure that is who he will be playing under if he joins United.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
