United handed lifeline in fierce battle for Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest’s latest demand – report

Manchester United are hoping that the arrival of a world-class midfielder this summer can propel them back to their former glory. The Red Devils have been starved of success in recent seasons and are yet to win the league since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. INEOS’ arrival has brought discipline and planning to the English giants’ recruitment, and they have taken a systematic approach to the transfer market. United invested heavily in the backline in the summer of 2024 and reinforced the attack and goalkeeping departments before the start of this campaign. Next on the Red Devils’ agenda is the middle of the park, which will be significantly weakened by Casemiro’s departure this summer. Manuel Ugarte, who was signed to eventually succeed the Brazilian, has been a disappointment so far and is expected to leave as well. United are eyeing Premier League-proven candidates who can help dominate the midfield and also hit the ground running at the Theatre of Dreams. Recent reports have suggested that Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has become a priority for them ahead of the summer. The best in his position in the Premier League? Anderson rose through the ranks at Newcastle United and left in 2024 to join Forest in a reported £35 million deal. Since arriving at the City Ground, the Englishman has transformed into one of the best in his position in the Premier League. This season, Anderson has been a rare shining light for the West Bridgford club, who are battling for survival in the top tier of English football. The 23 year old has registered the most successful short passes (1,611), the fourth-most successful long passes (106) and the fourth-most interceptions (34) among Premier League midfielders. He has also won the most duels (254) in the Premier League, highlighting his tremendous dominance in midfield. Anderson has registered two goals and three assists in 41 games across competitions this season, 37 of which have been starts. Elliot Anderson Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League3131226-2,775′ UEFA Europa League106-13-653′ Total4137239-3,428′ Source: Transfermarkt. Recent reports have suggested that the Englishman prefers to join Manchester City instead of United. However, an update on the situation has now emerged that suggests the door may not be entirely closed at the moment. Forest eager to ignite bidding war According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Forest are hoping that Anderson can ignite a bidding war for his signature this summer. Speaking to TEAMtalk, Bailey said: “With Elliot Anderson, which one club benefits massively from multiple clubs being interested? Nottingham Forest.” “They don’t want anyone to think that Manchester City have this tied down – they want a bidding war and that is completely understandable. They want top-of-the-market price, they want to be able to get a deal into three figures.” “Is Anderson worth £100million? There is that age old argument that nobody is, but in the current market it is hard not to see him in that bracket, his stock is going up and up.” The report, though, adds that United are aware that City are leading the race for his signature. There is also a belief that the player will ultimately end up at the Etihad this summer. Final Thought A recent report from The Peoples Person states that United have not thrown in the towel yet, and are planning to hold talks with the player’s entourage this summer. Anderson is just what the doctor ordered for the Red Devils, so they should do everything possible to beat City in this race. 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 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.