Manchester United have made Elliot Anderson their top transfer priority and Ineos must not be scared away by a steep asking price.
On Sunday afternoon, Elliot Anderson starred at Old Trafford as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2.
The 23-year-old midfielder produced two assists despite ending up on the losing side. Anderson is United’s top target, but there are few hurdles to jump to complete his signing.
Firstly, Anderson is valued at £125m by Forest, and secondly, there is rival interest from Manchester City.
Did Elliot Anderson’s performance justify a £115m transfer fee?
What did you make of Elliot Anderson's display vs Man United?
Man United let three midfielders slip, now they are world-class
Improving the midfield department has been on United’s to-do list for several years, yet the recruitment has always been wrong.
From Bastian Schweinsteiger to Fred and now Manuel Ugarte, United’s search for a top midfielder has simply not worked. That is because the Red Devils have given up on their top targets.
In reality, United have come excruciatingly close to signing three world-class midfielders in recent years, only to walk away from a deal because of the price tag.
Firstly, United came close to signing Jude Bellingham. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United wanted to sign Bellingham from Birmingham City but he instead chose to join Borussia Dortmund. Now, he is a world-class superstar at Real Madrid.
United also came close to signing Declan Rice from West Ham, but his £100m asking price was deemed too much for the Glazers and Ed Woodward. Now, he is a Premier League champion at Arsenal and competing with Bruno Fernandes for the Player of the Year award.
As recently as 2024, United wanted to sign Joao Neves, but again, his asking price was judged to be too high. Just weeks later, he completed a £66m deal to PSG and now he is one of the best midfielders in the world and his value has skyrocketed.
Should Manchester United pay £125m for Elliot Anderson?
Reports suggest Nottingham Forest have set a £125m valuation on Elliot Anderson. 💰
Man United must not lose out on Elliot Anderson
Bellingham, Rice and Neves were all once United’s top targets, but the Red Devils walked away and settled for alternative options.
Ineos have alternatives to Anderson this summer, but they must go all out for their top option.
United have missed out on too many world-class midfielders that they cannot let another slip through their grasp – especially if the alternative is Anderson ending up at arch-rivals Manchester City.
Anderson will be expensive, but he is worth the price. The current market is steep, and United’s biggest transfer of £89m for Paul Pogba is now overshadowed by their Big Six rivals.
If United want to challenge for the title, they must spend big. Signing Anderson would be a statement of intent.
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