Credit: Imago

Callum O'Connell

Mon 18 May 2026 16:06, UK

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Elliot Anderson impressed in his performance for Nottingham Forest against Manchester United as they hope to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.

The 23-year-old has been a standout both for Nottingham Forest and England this season and is widely expected to move on for a huge fee in the summer.

Michael Carrick’s side have been keeping a close eye on his displays as they view him as their top target to strengthen in midfield when the transfer window opens.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Anderson would be “perfect” for Carrick’s midfield if they can reach an agreement with Forest.

However, there is no shortage of interest in the England international, and they will have to fight off rivals to secure Anderson as part of Man United’s ambitious transfer plans.

Could Man United complete a deal for Elliot Anderson?

Football Insider reported on 18 May that Anderson impressed with his performance against Man United, with the Red Devils expected to be impressed by what they saw.

However, a decision about whether or not to sign the Nottingham Forest star will not be based solely on his display against them, after tracking his performances all season.

Ahead of the summer window, United remain hopeful they will be able to tempt the midfielder to Old Trafford, although his future remains up in the air.

“Elliot Anderson is the one Man United want,” Brown told Football Insider.

“That decision was formulated long before yesterday, because if it was down to how he’s played against them in the second-to-last game of the season, I would be worried.

“It’s been something they’ve been looking at for a while and they feel he would be the perfect player to slot into their midfield next season.

“His performance at Old Trafford was impressive and they will have taken note of that.

“Maybe it’ll make them step up their efforts after seeing him in the flesh, it’s always a good way to assess a player against your own midfield.

“But the decision to go after him was made long before that happened.”

Who are the current favourites to sign Anderson?

Man United have been long-term admirers of Anderson and are hopeful of agreeing a deal to sign him from Forest when the window opens.

However, they are far from the only interested club, with a number of their Premier League rivals including Man City and Liverpool also plotting moves for him.

Brown told Football Insider on 7 May that Man City are expected to land Anderson ahead of their rivals and are in a strong position to reach an agreement.

Forest are reluctant to lose their star player, although they are aware keeping him will be unlikely, and have placed a significant fee on him.

A fee of around £100million is likely to be demanded, at least in the early stages of the window, and City are better placed to spend that money than their cross-city rivals.