Manchester United are firmly in the race to sign Elliot Anderson this summer, despite Manchester City’s status as favourites.
After Elliot Anderson played brilliantly at Old Trafford over the weekend, there has been a renewed desire within the fanbase to sign him this summer.
In the Manchester United win over Forest, Anderson notched up two assists and looked every bit the top midfielder he has been billed as.
In addition, Pep Guardiola has handed United a boost as he is set to leave Manchester City after this season, making the club less attractive and reopening a closed door for Anderson to join.
What is your INSTANT REACTION to the news Pep Guardiola will leave City?
Enzo Maresca is set to replace him: United will finish above them next season?
Manchester City remain convinced they’ll sign Elliot Anderson
For whoever signs him, Anderson is quoted as costing £125m, which is a fee he isn’t worth at all, but a transfer is unlikely to actually reach those levels.
But now, it appears that United still aren’t likely to be the favourites.
According to Flashscore, City think they’re going to sign Anderson even if Guardiola leaves, which could indicate an agreement is already underway.
Anderson might have been told Guardiola is leaving, and a move to City will still see him likely earn more than at Old Trafford, which could see him still sway towards the Etihad.
Bruno Fernandes and Anderson talked on Sunday, with the United captain whispering into the Nottingham Forest midfielder’s ear after the 3-2 win.
If City are still convinced they will sign Anderson, then it changes little for United because he already felt like a signing that was off the table.
Did Elliot Anderson’s performance justify a £115m transfer fee?
What did you make of Elliot Anderson's display vs Man United?
Manchester United don’t need Elliot Anderson
Anderson might be the best signing United could make this summer, but for the price Forest wants, it isn’t the end of the world that he is choosing City.
United can instead sign two top-class midfield alternatives for the same price, building a squad instead of using most of the budget on one starter.
Mateus Fernandes at £55m is the option that stands out as must sign for United.
Fernandes is almost like a ‘mini’ version of Anderson, but has the potential to grow to that level and beyond.
If he moves elsewhere, United could look back on this with similar regret to when Joao Neves joined PSG.
So United don’t need Anderson, so long as the alternatives are excellent.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
