BREAKING NEWS: “Signing him would make me happier than winning the Champions League because, we will dominate the whole Europe for decades”: Wayne Rooney says he’s excited after Man United agreed deal to sign the player who could turn them to the most feared team in the world.
Wayne Rooney believes Man United will be a team that nobody wants to play against if they sign one particular.
Manchester City are leading Manchester United in the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, according to BBC Sport.
The England international has been one of the best-performing midfielders in the Premier League over the past two years. He is widely expected to leave Forest in the upcoming transfer window.
Man City and Man Utd have been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, but BBC Sport report that the player is leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium.
There is a ‘growing expectation’ that the Newcastle United graduate will choose the Cityzens. United are ‘unwilling’ to overpay or get drawn into protracted negotiations.
Man City are still far apart from negotiating payment terms with Forest. The Tricky Trees could put themselves in a stronger bargaining position if Anderson stars at the World Cup.
It is reported that the final price could eclipse the £105 million Arsenal paid to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United. This would become a record transfer fee for a British player.
United have made the right decision
Anderson had a stellar 2025/26 league season with Forest despite their struggles at the bottom of the table. He won a stunning eight duels per game alongside eight recoveries.
Bernardo Silva reveals how Pep Guardiola inspired his career
0 seconds of 1 minute, 10 seconds
He also won three tackles per outing, inducing a couple of fouls. The Englishman also chipped in with four goals and four assists in the top-flight and excelled with his work rate.
All these attributes make him an ideal replacement for the departing Casemiro, but the Red Devils hierarchy need to be clever this summer to make the most of the transfer budget.
United are also expected to cut their losses on Manuel Ugarte, and there are plans to bring in three midfielders to cover the void. A budget of around £150m has been set for the trio.
Atalanta’s Ederson looks on his way to Old Trafford for £46m, while the Red Devils could get the opportunity to land Mateus Fernandes for £50m after West Ham United’s relegation.
United are also weighing up a fresh move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba. After a below-par 2025/26 season, the Red Devils believe he could be prised away for around £50m.
It makes more sense to purchase the trio rather than place the majority of that budget on a single player. There is no guarantee that Anderson will seamlessly fit into United’s plans next term.
Anderson has been mesmerising to watch on numerous occasions, but he lost possession on a staggering 17 occasions per game last season, which remains a cause for concern going forward.
United have been guilty of overpaying for recruits in the past. With Anderson potentially costing £105m or even £120m, the Red Devils have made the right decision not to pursue a deal for him.
The club need to bolster other key positions too. A new backup striker is required, with Joshua Zirkzee poised to leave. A specialist left-back could be signed to compete with Luke Shaw, while a second-choice goalkeeper could be purchased. Alta
