Man Utd switch attention to Elliot Anderson after failing to sign Carlos Baleba as Ruben Amorim eyes midfield overhaul

At United, Amorim has pinpointed a reimagining of the midfield as his next priority. The Portuguese coach believes the area lacks both physical balance and creative spark. With Bruno Fernandes attracting interest from abroad and Casemiro’s contract due to expire next summer, a major restructuring is expected. United spent heavily last summer, over £200 million ($266m), reinforcing their attack with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. But their inability to secure Baleba before the transfer window closed meant that a gap remains unfilled. Anderson can operate across multiple roles, fitting Amorim’s template for a dynamic midfielder, and United are now weighing a swoop, as revealed by The Mirror. 

Anderson’s rapid rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular. Having only made his England debut in September, he has already collected four senior caps and is being tipped as a serious contender to start in next year’s World Cup. His tactical maturity has impressed England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has publicly lauded the Forest midfielder’s all-around game. 

"He’s just a very, very good football player," Tuchel said after the 2-0 qualifying win over Andorra. "He has the physicality, he’s very mobile at No 6. He has the body, he loves to defend, he loves to put his body inside to duels. He loves passing, he loves to break the lines, he’s very mobile in this game. It was a pleasure to see.

"I think the team around him made it as easy as possible for him and he had a very strong performance. I think he showed today that he adapts to the situation. Can he show what he showed in training? Can he show what he showed with Nottingham and the under-21s? He played with a lot of freedom. He was very quickly in the flow. I think he has the physicality and he has the mindset to play in more difficult games."

For Newcastle, Anderson’s success elsewhere still stings. The midfielder, a product of their youth academy, was sold to Forest for £35 million ($47m) in 2024. It was a move forced by the club’s need to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules. But that decision continues to haunt manager Eddie Howe, who has opened the door to his return.

“I don’t know (if the move will happen), but certainly from my perspective I would love him to,” he said. “It is very regretful a player from the academy who had given so much, and the club had given so much to for him not to be utilised here is a real shame. We had no choice but to make the sale, but it was not one we wanted to do. It didn’t sit right with me then and doesn’t sit right with me today.”

Speaking about his versatility, Howe added: "It is very difficult to define one position for him. There are not many players I can say that about. He has got unique strengths. He is very good deeper, but I can definitely see him playing higher up as an 8 or a 10, because he is very good in central areas.  But he's also good wide, like he was for us at wide left. He's a very talented technical player and can do anything he wants with the ball. Those players are very precious."

Despite the transfer noise, Anderson himself has remained grounded. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, he outlined his personal goals for the season.

"My biggest aim this season is to add some numbers [goals and assists] to my performances, that will probably take me to the next level," he said. 

"I’m focusing on the next game and then the game after that, to try and make an impact. But obviously, all eyes are on the World Cup."

Forest, meanwhile, have every intention of holding on to their prize asset. Anderson has been indispensable this season, playing every minute of Forest’s 10 fixtures. His current deal runs until June 2029, and his value has skyrocketed to around £75m ($100m), a fee that would make him one of the most expensive English midfielders ever. The club are well aware of the growing interest from top sides. Manchester City, Chelsea, and now Manchester United are all monitoring his situation closely. City are considering long-term midfield reinforcements as Rodri continues to struggle for full fitness, while Chelsea are being aggressive again in their pursuit of young English talent.