Manchester United have identified Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as their “dream” midfield signing, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the club’s intense admiration for the England international.
As the Michael Carrick era gathers pace, INEOS is preparing a massive midfield overhaul. With Casemiro set to depart at the end of the season and Manuel Ugarte struggling to adapt to life at Old Trafford, United are desperate for Premier League-proven quality.
The £100m Prize: Why Elliot Anderson?
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Anderson is at the very top of United’s shortlist. The 23-year-old has been labeled “elite” by England manager Thomas Tuchel and has become a mainstay for the Three Lions.
“The name they absolutely appreciate, I would say they absolutely love, at Manchester United is Elliot Anderson,” Romano confirmed. “He’s doing fantastic… a player they are really closely monitoring.”
However, the move won’t be cheap. Nottingham Forest reportedly value their talisman at over £100 million, putting him in the same price bracket as other United targets like Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali.
The “Plan B”: Ibrahim Sangaré
If the £100m price tag for Anderson proves too steep, United may look closer to home. GIVEMESPORT sources suggest that Anderson’s teammate, Ibrahim Sangaré, is also under consideration as a more cost-effective “destroyer.”
| Feature | Elliot Anderson | Ibrahim Sangaré |
| Primary Role | Creative / Box-to-Box | Defensive Destroyer |
| Est. Fee | £100m+ | £40m – £50m |
| Style Comparison | “Elite” All-rounder | Makelele / Desailly mix |
| Experience | Premier League & England | Premier League & Ivory Coast |
Midfield Shortlist: The “Carrick Profile”
United’s recruitment team is specifically targeting players who understand the intensity of English football. Alongside the Forest duo, the club continues to track:
- Carlos Baleba (Brighton)
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
- Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)
With Champions League qualification nearly secured, United will have the financial muscle to compete for these “£100m stars.” The question remains: will they spend it all on one marquee name like Anderson, or spread the budget across multiple signings?
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
