Manchester United going all out for Elliot Anderson but face intense competition from Manchester City

Manchester United want to make Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson their marquee summer signing, per journalist Samuel Luckhurst. 

The Red Devils face intense competition from rivals Manchester City, who are widely believed to be the front-runners for the 23-year-old. 

United view him as their ideal midfield target and are ready to plan their summer recruitment around him. 

The club have had a resurgence in form since Michael Carrick took charge as interim manager following Ruben Amorim’s departure. 

They are on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which would be crucial for landing top targets such as Anderson. 

United are looking to sign two midfielders this summer, with Casemiro set to leave at the end of the campaign and Manuel Ugarte likely to be sold. 

They have been linked with Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali, but it appears Anderson is at the top of their shortlist. 

He has been a consistent performer for Forest since joining from Newcastle United in 2024. 

He has made 83 appearances in all competitions, bagging four goals and nine assists. 

Anderson has similar traits to Casemiro. He possesses strong defensive qualities and passing ability. 

However, his mobility and high pressing would be an upgrade on the Brazilian international. 

Anderson is under contract until 2029, so Forest will demand a large transfer fee. Given Anderson’s quality, the huge outlay would be justified. 

Stats from Transfermarkt.