Report: Manchester United plot January bid for England Midfield Star | OneFootball

Man Utd Prepare Double Midfield Move with Forest Star Top of List

Manchester United are putting the groundwork in place for a major midfield rebuild under Ruben Amorim, with TeamTalk reporting that Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has emerged as a primary January target.

United’s January Midfield Ambitions

United’s recruitment drive is expected to be aggressive this winter. According to TeamTalk, the club are planning to bring in two new midfielders, with one arriving in January and another targeted for the summer. Anderson’s name has been “a name of interest throughout this year” and his stock continues to rise after a superb campaign at Forest.

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The 22-year-old was described by sources as being pivotal to Nuno Espirito Santo’s success, with the Portuguese coach reportedly telling him he “could become the best player in his position in the Premier League.” His form was instrumental in helping Forest qualify for Europe, with two goals and six assists last season.

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Forest’s Stance on Anderson

United know that prising Anderson away from the City Ground will not be straightforward. Forest are understood to be unwilling to lose one of their key players halfway through the season. However, the managerial shift that saw Ange Postecoglou replace Nuno could alter the dynamic. United will monitor closely for any sign of change in the player’s status.

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Baleba and Other Targets

While Anderson leads the list, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba remains the “dream signing” for Amorim. But with Brighton unlikely to sanction a sale in January, attention could intensify on Anderson if Forest’s stance softens.

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United’s intent is clear, strengthen the spine of the squad and give Amorim the tools to push the team higher up the Premier League table. Any breakthrough could set the tone for what promises to be a transformative summer window.

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The idea of Amorim being backed with proper funds and a clear plan for strengthening midfield feels like the club finally moving with purpose. Elliot Anderson has been superb at Forest, and the thought of him linking up with United’s existing talent is thrilling if you’re a United fan. His energy, creativity and ability to dictate play could be exactly what this team needs.

Fans have been crying out for a younger, dynamic presence in midfield, someone who can operate box-to-box and also contribute goals and assists. Anderson ticks those boxes. Adding a second midfielder in the summer shows that Ratcliffe and Amorim see this as a two-phase rebuild, and that level of planning inspires confidence.

If Forest do show any willingness to negotiate, United must be ready to act fast. This feels like the type of signing that could shape the club’s midfield for years to come. Supporters will hope this is the start of a new era where smart, ambitious recruitment is the norm, not the exception.