Man Utd told they now ‘have to find a way’ to get deal done for ‘absolute diamond’ after his stunning performance

Although last night was tarnished by the eventual defeat at St. James’ Park, Manchester United will have been keeping tabs on the fact that Manchester City dropped points.Primarily because one of INEOS’ priority transfer targets, Elliot Anderson, was to thank for the Blues being held to a 2-2 draw when hosting Nottingham Forest at the Etihad.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYAnderson pivotal in Forest’s Etihad draw(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Forest found a response for both of City’s goals, which came courtesy of Antoine Semenyo and Rodri, and equalised twice before claiming a crucial point in their battle for safety.Anderson netted the final goal of the encounter – and in absolutely tremendous fashion. The midfielder played a quick one-two with Callum Hudson-Odoi before releasing a strike outside the area that was unsavable for Gianluigi Donnarumma. Elliot Anderson finds the net from range to pull Nottingham Forest level once again against Manchester City 🎯@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Wp5o9RJKB8 — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 4, 2026Reacting to the stellar finish on X/Twitter, MailSport journalist Nathan Salt said: “Elliot Anderson is an absolute diamond and crucially a player who moves the needle.“Been United’s top target for months. Have to find a way to get it done.”Of course, it goes without saying that getting it done is much easier said than done, but the first step to any potential coup will most likely be securing Champions League football for 2026/2027.Why Anderson would be a perfect fit at Old Trafford(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)If Anderson does decide to part ways with Forest after only two years, he’ll want to take the next step by plying his trade in Europe’s most elite competition, so United will be in good standing if they can get that ticked off in the coming weeks.The 23-year-old will also be seeking assurances over game time, having grown accustomed to being a mainstay at the City Ground following his £35 million move from Newcastle United in 2024.With Casemiro confirmed to be leaving when his contract expires in June, it paves the way for a young and proven midfielder to establish themself as his successor. Club Appearances Starts Minutes played Forest 66 62 5,340 Newcastle 44 13 1,425 Anderson would be partnering Kobbie Mainoo in M16 for the foreseeable future if he opted for a Red Devils switch, and such a pairing could well become influential for England at this summer’s World Cup and beyond. Elliot Anderson leads all Premier League players for possession (232) and duels won (223) this season. Should he be Casemiro’s replacement? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/GOnbN2DjM1 — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 27, 2026