Manchester United are expected to compete for the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson in 2026, but the promising England international has yet to make up his mind about where he wants to go.
The transfer columns are in full flow as we approach the January transfer window.
Manchester United could do with improving the team as they sit seventh in the Premier League standings, but most of their primary targets won’t be available in the summer.
However, United are considering a move for Antoine Semenyo in January when the Bournemouth winger’s £65 million release clause becomes active.
Who is your dream Manchester United signing in 2026?
The Red Devils are also expected to strengthen elsewhere in the team in 2026, with the midfield department requiring a revamp. That has led to United being linked with multiple midfielders in the Premier League.
From Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest to Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace, United have no shortage of midfield targets. Ruben Amorim and the scouts working at the club have big decisions to make over the coming months.
David Ornstein provides Elliot Anderson transfer upset
Amorim has opted for a midfield duo of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro this season, with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte being his only senior back-up options.
With Mainoo and Casemiro ruled out for United’s 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa, Fernandes picked up an injury in the first half, and Amorim was left with no other choice but to bring on Lisandro Martinez in midfield.
The Argentine played well in the middle of the pitch, but it says a lot about United’s midfield that the manager had to call upon a defender, who has only recovered from an ACL injury, to play such a demanding role in the team.
United fans want to see Anderson signed in the summer to bolster the midfield department. The Nottingham Forest ace has been one of the top performers in the Premier League this season, which means there will be plenty of competition for his signature in the summer.
Who would be your dream Manchester United midfield pairing for 2026/27? ⚽️
Let us know who you want to see in midfield for Manchester United next season in the comments!
Respected journalist David Ornstein has provided an update on Anderson, who is expected to remain at the City Ground until the end of the season. It is understood that his future move will depend heavily on the manager.
“A lot will depend on managers, there is some uncertainty around the clubs I’ve mentioned so far [United, City, Chelsea, Bayern],” Ornstein told NBC Sports.
“A player like Anderson will want certainty around that, so that makes the next six months crucial.”
There is uncertainty surrounding some of the clubs chasing Anderson, especially with their managers, including Man City with Pep Guardiola. It was briefed that Ineos believe this could convince Semenyo to snub City for United.
This is where Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing of Amorim in October could stand to United’s benefit because the co-owner stressed that the head coach had three years to turn things around at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, there are rumours that Enzo Maresca could replace Guardiola at City.
Managerial uncertainty elsewhere could work in United’s favour if Anderson is seeking such assurances from his future club.
Elliot Anderson tops midfield charts for most passes
In the Premier League this season, United-linked Anderson has averaged 68 passes per game.
The 23-year-old has the highest number of average passes per match, with none of United’s midfielders making the top five.
Most passes per game by midfielders in the Premier League, as per WhoScored:
- Elliot Anderson: 68.0
- Dominik Szoboszlai: 60.8
- Ryan Gravenberch: 60.2
- Declan Rice: 59.9
- Martin Buzimendi: 59.8
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
