Man Utd open talks with ‘tremendous’ EPL star destined for 2026 transfer | OneFootball

Manchester United directors have reportedly met with the representatives of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

The Red Devils are desperate to reinforce Ruben Amorim’s midfield department as soon as possible, and Anderson has been one of the names on the shortlist.

The 22-year-old has caught the attention of Jason Wilcox and Co. with his excellent displays since joining Forest in the summer of 2024. Former Man Utd Chief Scout Mick Brown lauded the young player’s ‘tremendous job’ at City Ground.

Man United open talks for Elliot Anderson

While Man Utd continue to be linked with other up-and-coming Premier League midfielders, namely, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, a popular account on X reveals that the club’s officials have held a meeting with CAA Stellar, the famous agency that represents Anderson.

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The source claims that the United directors took the opportunity to explain their project to the player’s agents, while adding that the 22-year-old is destined to leave Forest in 2026, but it remains to be seen whether this departure can materialise in January or in the summer.

At this stage, talks between Man Utd and the England international remain in their preliminary phase, but INEOS are keen to place themselves ahead of the inevitable queue.

Why Anderson could be the right fit for Man Utd

While United are seemingly torn between pursuing a midfield enforcer like Baleba or a creative playmaker in the shape of Wharton, Anderson arguably represents a balanced choice thanks to his well-rounded game.

The former Newcastle star is a typical box-to-box midfielder, capable of contributing in both phases of the game. Therefore, he should have no issue partnering with various profiles, but one would imagine that he and his compatriot Kobbie Mainoo would work well side-by-side in the double pivot.

Ideally, Man Utd would revamp their midfield department by buying at least two new players, but this will probably require a major sacrifice, namely the sale of Bruno Fernandes.