Manchester United have added Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson to their midfield shortlist for 2026.
Indeed, INEOS are already plotting how they can reinforce Ruben Amorim’s ranks in the new year after opting against an official move for a midfielder in the summer.
They did make an approach for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, who was said to be keen on the move, but opted against a formal bid when learning he would cost in excess of £100 million.
Eventually, United conceded that not all areas of the squad could be strengthened in one window, having already acquired three forwards at the time of their talks with Baleba.
United draw up plans to bolster midfield in 2026
Luckily for the Old Trafford faithful, Fabrizio Romano has assured that a new addition in the middle of the park is indeed on the cards for the side.
“It wasn’t possible this summer, but United maintain the idea to make one more signing in the January transfer window, and it might be more based on the opportunities [or] on injuries. A new midfielder is expected to join Manchester United in 2026,” said the transfer reporter on YouTube yesterday.
In line with that, former Red Devils scout Mick Brown has tipped INEOS to move for Anderson.
Anderson left boyhood club Newcastle United for Forest last July for a fee of £35 million, with reports widely suggesting at the time that the Magpies felt pressured into sanctioning the exit of an academy graduate due to their precarious PSR situation.
The 22-year-old hit the ground running in the East Midlands, playing an integral role as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men contested those at the top end of the table before eventually – albeit controversially – securing a Europa League spot after Crystal Palace were demoted to the UEFA Conference League.
Such efforts were recognised by Thomas Tuchel, as Anderson was granted his senior England debut in a 2-0 win over Andorra on Saturday. He was also named Man of the Match for his stellar showing, during which he recorded 127 touches, 114 passes, a 94% passing accuracy, 34 passes into the final third and won seven duels.
What former United insider is hearing about the Reds’ interest in Elliot Anderson
Man United have been looking at Anderson,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s done a tremendous job at Nottingham Forest and then he’s come into the England side and turned in a man-of-the-match performance. United see him as exactly the type of midfielder they would like to bring in.
“He gets up and down the park, he’s confident and secure in possession of the ball, and he’s not afraid to put in a tackle, which is something they need.
“Anderson would solve, or certainly help with, a lot of the issues they’ve had under Amorim.
“Everybody knows they wanted a midfielder in the summer, but they couldn’t find the right one who was available at the price they wanted.”
United will fail again this season because of their midfield. I keep saying this, Fernandes is not a midfielder in this system that Amorim demands to play. He could play in a 3 in midfield as the attacking player but he can not play in a 2. Even if United brought in Baleba or Hjulmand it would not work with Fernandes in a 2.
It might be better if we accepted a big offer from the Saudis for Fernandes next season and move on. He has done fantastic for us over the years, but he will hit 32 next year and the burnout stage will come very quickly. We need to build our midfield with younger players and Amorim needs to look at a 3 in midfield, and not be so stubborn. He needs to please the fans instead of himself, and 90% of fans agree with 4-3-3 formation.
Like Fergie always said ” Forwards win you games Defenders win you titles”
If the plan is to keep Amorim and find someone to partner Bruno then no matter who they get will not work. Bruno is not suited to a defensive role.
The best solution would be to get rid of Amorim and get a manager who knows which player plays where best, can get the best out of his players and has the ability to get his team to play in different systems.