23-yo midfield maestro wanted by United and City has already decided his next destination – report

Manchester United remain heavily linked with midfield reinforcements for 2026, and if recent reports are to be believed, Elliot Anderson is among the names on their wishlist. The English midfielder has been outstanding for Nottingham Forest this season and has registered 17 appearances across competitions, all but one of which have been starts. Elliot Anderson Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League13112-1,170′ UEFA Europa League4–1-294′ Total17113-1,464′ Source: Transfermarkt. Anderson has won the most duels in the league this season (98), and his combative presence could be a godsend for Ruben Amorim’s side, who have been fragile in the middle of the park so far. United’s midfield dilemma Ruben Amorim has deployed Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as a two-man pivot this season, and they have performed admirably. However, the Brazilian is already on the wrong side of 30, and his contract runs out at the end of this season. United lack proper cover in the position, with Manuel Ugarte a shadow of his former self. Kobbie Mainoo, meanwhile, is yet to convince Amorim and remains heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford in 2026. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that the Red Devils have identified Anderson as a possible option to shore up the middle of the park. The Englishman could also be a fine partner for Bruno Fernandes, who has excelled in a deeper role this season. Manchester City are reportedly in the race for the 23 year old as well, and it now appears that the player has made a decision regarding his next destination. Anderson wants Etihad move In his column for Sky Sports, journalist Sacha Tavolieri said that Anderson is prioritising a move to the Etihad. “The English champions are in love with Elliot Anderson, the Nottingham Forest midfielder who has impressed sporting director Hugo Viana and City’s scouts, who have already watched the Englishman more than 10 times since the start of the season,” wrote Tavolieri. “The only catch is that Evangelos Marinakis’ demands are far higher than Manchester City’s valuations so far, with the club refusing to offer the £100 million demanded by Nottingham Forest. Whatever happens, Anderson will remain in London in January. His departure is only possible after the 2026 World Cup. “Considered the future pillar of the Three Lions, Eliott Anderson has already informed his professional entourage that he is giving priority to Manchester City for a future transfer.” United also have Kees Smit, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton on their wishlist for the midfield job. Final Thoughts City’s recent success may have made them an attractive destination for players at the moment, but if this summer was any example, United still have a strong pull in the transfer market. However, the Red Devils’ prolonged lack of success could hurt them in the pursuit of world-class players like Anderson. This is why Amorim’s side has little margin for error this season. Missing out on one of the league’s best midfielders will certainly sting United, especially if he ends up joining their bitter rivals. However, if the Red Devils manage to secure a top-four place and have Champions League football to offer next season, they could become a tempting proposition for Anderson next summer. 💎 | A special player Elliot Anderson has today become the first player in the last ten Premier League seasons to record the following stats in one match: • 100+ touches (106)• 10+ ball recoveries (13)• 10+ duels won (11)• 5+ key passes (6)• 5+ successful dribbles (5)… pic.twitter.com/UwFEc4zcV7 — Sofascore Football (@Sofascore) November 30, 2025 Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.