(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Tue 26 May 2026 7:15, UK

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Elliot Anderson remains at the centre of a race between Manchester United and Manchester City as he edges closer to leaving Nottingham Forest this summer.

The 23-year-old is expected to leave the City Ground in a move which could involve a fee worth around £100million thanks to his performances this season.

City have been tipped as the favourites to sign the England international given their recent success and fniancial backing, but the door may now have opened for United.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola’s departure will have thrown a spanner in the works for the club’s transfer plans.

While City cannot be ruled out, the uncertainty in the wake of losing such a long-serving and impactful manager could come as a boost to Man United’s transfer plans.

Could Man United beat Man City to sign Elliot Anderson?

Brown told Football Insider on 7 May that Man United believe Man City will sign Anderson and are making preparations in case they miss out.

The Nottingham Forest star has been their top target ahead of the summer window, but there is a feeling their rivals are better-placed to agree a deal.

However, Guardiola’s departure has led to doubts about whether he will be convinced, with both clubs remaining firmly in the race for his signature.

“Man United know they can’t be cheap in this transfer window,” Brown told Football Insider.

“There are big improvements they need to make to their squad, the first of those is in midfield, and Elliot Anderson is still their top target in that position.

“You hear on the grape vine that Man City are the favourites to sign him, they’ve got the money to do it and they’ve had more success recently as well.

“But Pep Guardiola has always been a big draw for any player joining Man City, but now he’s gone.

“So if you’re Elliot Anderson and you were thinking of joining Man City to play under Guardiola, and now he’s left, it’s possible he might not make that move.

“That is a huge boost for Man United, of course, because it could open the door for them to now make a move and look to temp him to Old Trafford instead.”

Do Man United have a plan if they miss out on Anderson?

While United have been boosted in their pursuit of Anderson, they are still making preparations in case they miss out, with multiple midfielders on their radar.

Michael Carrick plans to add at least two new midfielders to his squad this summer to bolster the position as well as moving to replace Casemiro following his departure.

Brown told Football Insider on 25 May that Man United are close to signing Ederson from Atalanta, with a fee of £40million set to be agreed.

Carrick is keen to act quickly in the market to avoid missing out on the midfielder, who has also attracted interest from multiple Premier League rivals.

Reports have suggested personal terms have already been agreed with Ederson, with the final agreement over a fee edging closer, and the deal could now happen.