Blockbuster deal for United’s number one target “effectively agreed” with Ineos left watching – report

Manchester United’s midfield was outmuscled in their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Wednesday. United went into the clash at St James’ Park in high spirits, but as soon as the game kicked off, Newcastle’s intensity pushed the Red Devils onto the back foot. The Mancunians never truly got a grip on the game, even after the hosts went down to ten men. Manchester United interested in Elliot Anderson Sandro Tonali and Joelinton were both massive presences in the middle of the park, helping the Magpies defend as well as carry the ball higher up the field to ease the pressure.  United’s midfield is crying out for a player like Sandro Tonali, who possesses exceptional athleticism and composure. Tonali is on United’s wishlist, but it has been widely reported that the Premier League giants’ number one midfield target is Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, who has emerged as one of the league’s most well-rounded midfielders. However, Manchester City are also keen on signing Anderson and have made significant progress in their pursuit ahead of the summer. Man City overtake United in Anderson race On Wednesday, Elliot Anderson dealt a massive blow to City’s title hopes with a phenomenal performance, capped off by a brilliant goal to make it 2-2 at the Etihad.  According to Teamtalk, United are set to be left “empty-handed” as Anderson’s display “has effectively made up Manchester City’s mind over a big-money move” for the Englishman. It is claimed that within football circles, there is a growing belief that the 23-year-old’s move to City is “already effectively agreed.” “I have to be honest, for several weeks now, from numerous sources, I am told that Anderson to City is a done deal,” Graeme Bailey revealed to Teamtalk. Forest are demanding a fee of around £90 million for Anderson, and it appears City are prepared to meet their asking price amid strong competition.  United, meanwhile, continue to closely monitor the likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Tonali and his Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes. There are plenty of fish in the sea, as they say! Featured image Dan Istidene 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!