It is the worst-kept secret in football that Manchester United’s biggest transfer priority now is securing a mobile midfielder.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has already highlighted this intention.
The belief is that Ruben Amorim wants a disciplined, aggressive, ball-winning midfielder: someone who can maintain shape, press relentlessly, and make quick, intelligent decisions alongside Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes.
Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton
Carlos Baleba would have fit the bill perfectly. However, his summer move to United collapsed.
Brighton stood firm, insisting he was not for sale. INEOS feared that pushing too hard might lead to an inflated fee that they were not prepared to pay.
United chose to walk away, hoping to revisit the deal next year. But by then, competition for the 21-year-old will likely intensify, and his price will not be any lower.
Adam Wharton remains a viable alternative. Yet Crystal Palace would demand a fortune, and United would face stiff competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid.
If Amorim is to get his ideal midfielder, United cannot afford to gamble on muscling their way into the market for top targets. They need solid fallback options.
Enter Anderson
The best fallback for Baleba or Wharton should be Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
Dubbed “a young Roy Keane” by The Athletic, Anderson is emerging as one of the Premier League’s finest central midfielders.
It is baffling that, while United explored Baleba alternatives, Anderson’s name did not surface, especially given the standout campaign the England international delivered last season.
A standout 2024–25 season
According to FootyStats, Anderson’s numbers last season were exceptional.
He averaged 2.98 tackles per 90, outperforming 92% of Premier League midfielders.
He attempted 14.76 ground duels per 90, winning 7.64; better than 97% of his peers.
His 0.95 interceptions per 90 placed him above 74% of other midfielders.
If Amorim wants defensive solidity and aggression, Anderson ticks every box.
England debut: a glimpse of his quality
In his recent England senior national team debut against Andorra, Anderson showcased his athleticism and control in midfield.
During the 2–0 win, he made 127 touches, completed 107 passes with 94% accuracy, and delivered 34 passes into the final third, all while winning seven duels.
Only 22, but Anderson already boasts 84 senior appearances for Newcastle and Forest, proving he not only has the quality but also the experience to hit the ground running.
United interest registered
Interestingly, as per a report relayed by The Peoples Person, Anderson has caught the eye of United. While some view him merely as a Baleba alternative, he could well be the ideal signing.
Forest, who signed him for £35 million in 2024, will obviously not let him go easily; they may demand double the investment they made.
Encouragingly, their sale of ex-United academy graduate Anthony Elanga this summer shows that, at the right price, they are willing to part with top talent.
If United were prepared to break the bank for Baleba, then an Anderson deal, while still costly, could be far more attainable. All they need is a tempting offer, and Forest might just be persuaded to cash in.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
