“Night and day” – Man Utd will only sign ‘phenomenal’ EPL star on one condition | OneFootball

Manchester United have long identified Elliot Anderson as their priority target for next summer, but they can only afford him on one condition.

Nottingham Forest have been enduring a miserable 2025/26 campaign, but it hasn’t affected the 23-year-old’s allure, as the ‘phenomenal’ Englishman remains one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League.

In addition to Man Utd’s well-documented interest, Man City are also showing interest in Anderson, while Liverpool and others are also part of the queue.

Therefore, bringing the former Newcastle United player to Carrington might not be a straightforward affair as INEOS would have liked.

Man Utd must qualify for the Champions League to land Elliot Anderson

In addition to the strong competition, United are facing another hurdle, as Forest have slapped a £100 million price tag on the England international, not to mention the player’s hefty salary demands.

Hence, the Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler believes that MUFC can only afford to sign Anderson if they manage to qualify for the Champions League next season.

“United’s budget this summer will be night and day depending on whether they qualify for the Champions League,” said Wheeler during his appearance on The United Stand.

“They’ll effectively be working with two different budgets, two different shopping lists and two completely different plans. If United secure Champions League football and £100m-plus, that would be transformative.

“It would put them back at the top table in terms of the players they can attract and the salaries they can offer. Without a top-four or top-five finish, could United afford to pay Elliott Anderson’s wage demands? I’m not so sure.”

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

United currently sit 4th in the table with 45 points from 26 matches. Even a 5th-place finish should prove sufficient, at least based on the Premier League’s current UEFA coefficient. Nevertheless, they’re facing a stern battle with Chelsea and Liverpool.

Missing out on UCL would be a major blow for United

Despite missing out on Europe altogether last season, Man Utd went on to spend over £230 million on new signings last summer.

However, an additional year with the Champions League would certainly take its toll on the club’s finances, hence why reaching Europe’s elite club competition is considered a must for MUFC in order to acquire the services of their most desired targets.

While Anderson is said to be the first name on Jason Wilcox’s shortlist, the main alternatives, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, are equally expensive.

Thus, if Michael Carrick’s men do not finish in the Top 4/5, they might have to limit their midfield search to cheaper alternatives, especially since the department requires at least two new players, with Casemiro departing at the end of the season.