INEOS’ failure to bolster Manchester United’s engine room last summer was a miscalculated move.
In some games this season, watching United’s midfield, one could not help but wonder what difference that “dynamic midfielder” signing might have made.
Well, in 2026, the Red Devils intend to right those wrongs. The 20-time English champions are expected to dive into the market and emerge with top-tier midfield reinforcements.
With Casemiro likely to leave on a free and Bruno Fernandes linked with a move away, one midfield signing will not be enough.
Elliot Anderson
Among the names INEOS are reportedly eyeing is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
Out of nowhere, Anderson is establishing himself as one of the most complete midfielders the Premier League has to offer.
At the heart of Forest’s midfield, he has been so impressive that it is baffling how he slipped under the radar last summer.
Now, he is the talk of the Premier League, and all signs point to him switching clubs in 2026.
While INEOS were contemplating placing a tempting bid to win Anderson’s race, they have now been told what it might take to convince the Ange Postecoglou-led side.
£100 million-plus player
The Telegraph recently analysed the Premier League’s next £100m man.
“It was Anderson’s Nottingham Forest team-mate Morgan Gibbs-White whom Tottenham tried to sign this summer, but since then Anderson has become the man in demand at the City Ground,” they revealed, justifying why the midfielder is now seen as one of the Premier League’s next £100m signings.
“Newcastle United may well want to re-sign the midfielder, but his performances for club and country are likely to have England’s biggest clubs fighting over him and pushing his price up.”
As Anderson continues to prove his mettle in both the Premier League and on the international stage, it is clear he will command a hefty fee.
In the end, his race may come down to who is willing to break the bank.
City’s £75 million offer
According to The Express, Manchester City have been considering a £75 million bid, but that now may fall short.
That said, both City and Chelsea are expected to offer United stiff competition in the race for Anderson.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.
