Elliot Anderson: Man United running out of time to hijack Man City’s move | OneFootball

Manchester United are running out of time to launch a hijack of Manchester City’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson, according to the latest update from Fabrizio Romano.

Making a Serious Play

The Red Devils are intent on signing an elite No. 6 to replace the departing Casemiro, whose contract expires this month and is close to joining Inter Miami.

Anderson is the primary target to take the reins from the 34-year-old Brazilian, having established himself as one of the best young midfielders in Europe since signing for Nottingham Forest in 2023.

The Whitley Bay native possesses a unique skillset with virtually no weaknesses and is capable of dominating matches across all phases of play. While some of the other options on United’s radar are strong out of possession, such as Carlos Baleba, or offer excellent playmaking abilities like Adam Wharton, Anderson does both.

The Forest talisman, primed to play a key role for England at the World Cup this summer, is outstanding on and off the ball and ranks highly across virtually every metric by which a midfielder is judged. When combined with his age, homegrown status, strong work ethic and personality — having taken on a leadership role in Forest’s dressing room this season — it is clear why virtually every top club in England has expressed interest.

Elliot Anderson Stats: 2025/26 Season

But it is the two Manchester clubs who have been leading the race for the past few months, with Anderson thought to be leaning towards the blue half of the city. Personal terms are understood to have been agreed, leaving just a club-to-club agreement with Forest left to find.

Running Out of Time

United are refusing to give up hope, however, as INEOS intend to make a “serious play” to lure him to M16. Sporting director Jason Wilcox is said to be obsessed with the idea of Anderson becoming a Red Devil.

Manchester City have already seen one formal offer rejected by Forest, who are holding out for a fee in excess of £100 million for their prized asset. Moises Caicedo’s £115 million switch from Brighton to Chelsea is seen as a benchmark.

Now, Romano reveals, the Citizens are “preparing a new official bid” as they are “ready to go all in” to strike a deal. There is said to be growing confidence at the Etihad that an agreement is close.

The Italian transfer expert confirms United’s hierarchy, led by Wilcox, are still “dreaming” of signing Anderson, but concludes it is the noisy neighbours who are “leading the race”. Interestingly, were City to fail to agree terms with Forest, they would pivot towards Tonali – another top target at Old Trafford.

Anderson is currently in the United States with the England squad preparing for the World Cup opener against Croatia next week. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed members of his squad will be free to complete medicals should transfers between clubs be struck in England.

Final Thoughts

The window for United to make their “serious play” is rapidly narrowing, with a sense that a deal could be completed this week if City stump up the cash. There are few players in Europe who have the requisite skillset to succeed Casemiro, and virtually none who are not already plying their trade for a top club – but Anderson is a unicorn amid a stable of donkeys.

Scarcity drives demand; demand drives price. United must act now and pay the piper, or forever hold their peace.

Featured image Jack Thomas via Getty Images

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