Report: Man United facing major battle to sign £100m-rated midfielder | OneFootball

Man United Step Up Midfield Planning Amid Elliot Anderson Interest

Manchester United’s long term midfield planning has taken a significant step forward, with The Times reporting that the club are monitoring Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old is attracting serious Premier League attention after a rapid rise that has placed him among the division’s standout young midfielders.

Rising Value of Anderson

The Times underline that Forest value Anderson at about £100million, a remarkable leap from the £35million they paid Newcastle in 2024. The report states that Anderson has emerged as one of the league’s most impressive young talents, shining for club and country. As the article notes, “the 23-year-old has come to be regarded as one of the best young players in the Premier League.”

His England trajectory backs that up. Anderson has started five of the past six England matches and is strongly placed to feature at next summer’s World Cup. One line from the piece stands out for its clarity: “provided he maintains his form, he should be a regular for his country at next summer’s World Cup.” Inside Carrington, that level of international maturity carries real weight.

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United’s Midfield Puzzle

United are preparing for a major change in the centre of the pitch because Casemiro is edging towards the end of his time at Old Trafford. The Times report confirms that although he has found renewed form this season, his contract, salary and age make a continuation unlikely. The piece highlights that he “earns more than £18million a year” and is expected to receive lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.

One club figure quoted in the report suggests United have reached a natural crossroads. “We know a replacement will be needed because the profile of the midfield must evolve next season.” Anderson fits that evolution and so does Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, although United were unwilling to meet his £100million valuation in the summer.

Competition and Anderson’s Options

Newcastle retain strong interest in re-signing Anderson, having sold him only to avoid a PSR points deduction. Liverpool are also mentioned, though their heavy midfield investment last summer makes a bid less certain.

Anderson’s roots could pull him back to Tyneside. His grandfather Geoff Allen played for Newcastle and the midfielder came through their academy. The Times write that “a return to Newcastle could appeal” and it is understood inside Forest that their valuation may not ward off elite clubs for long.

January Quiet but Summer Busy

United are not expected to move in January, partly because Forest would not consider it and partly because Old Trafford recruitment chiefs want a clear summer run at their targets. With Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui heading to AFCON, some clubs might pivot mid season, but United are unlikely to do so.

Up front, The Times add that Joshua Zirkzee is seeking a loan to Roma, despite Benjamin Sesko’s injury, because Ruben Amorim prefers a false nine in the absence of his first choice striker.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan perspective, this report carries more hope than anxiety. Elliot Anderson feels like the type of midfielder that Ruben Amorim could elevate, especially in a system built on structured possession, vertical passing and high energy pressing. If United are identifying players who can thrive in that environment, Anderson fits almost perfectly. He covers ground, he breaks lines with the ball, and he has the temperament of someone who has grown quickly into international football.

Supporters will look at Casemiro’s situation with a mix of respect and realism. His contribution has been huge, but if the club are preparing for a new long term midfield core, then targeting someone in Anderson’s age bracket makes strategic sense. Fans will also be encouraged that the recruitment team appear calmer and more decisive under Amorim, with the Portuguese coach clearly shaping the profile of players being monitored.

The competition from Newcastle and Liverpool is a worry but not a surprise. United have been here before with top domestic talents and the hope will be that Old Trafford’s project, the promise of regular football, and Amorim’s track record with young midfielders can give them an edge. If the club are planning a major summer rebuild, Anderson would be a statement signing that signals ambition and alignment with a modern tactical identity.