- Manchester United is not Elliot Anderson’s first choice
- Midfielder prefers a move to Manchester City
- Still keen on United move, but only if City deal falls through
Manchester United have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with Fabrizio Romano confirming he favours a move to rivals Manchester City.
United have been keeping tabs on the midfielder for several months, with the club identifying him as a key target as Casemiro prepares to depart.
The Brazilian leaves the club on 30 June, when his contract expires, and Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte could follow him out after failing to convince the United hierarchy during his 20 months at the club.
Anderson stood as a first-choice target, capable of slotting seamlessly into United’s system. A tenacious box-to-box midfielder, he operates as an elite ball-winner, offering the physicality and awareness to shield both Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, while disrupting opposition attacks through the middle.
United, however, must now turn their attention elsewhere, with Anderson seemingly making his preference clear.
Time to Leave Anderson Race
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has said that, “Manchester City are absolutely pushing, and absolutely working hard on a deal to sign Elliot Anderson.
“Financially, Manchester City would be prepared to offer really, really important money to the player. Manchester City are going very strong for Elliot Anderson; they are very keen.
“Manchester United remain in the battle for Elliot Anderson, but at the moment the situation is the following: Man City are leading the race, Man United are still there watching the situation, in case Man City are not able to close the deal.
“Man United remain very interested in Elliot Anderson.”
With it now increasingly clear that Anderson prefers a move to Manchester City—whether driven by financial power or footballing vision—United must refocus their efforts on players fully committed to the project.
INEOS, for all the scrutiny they face, have operated impressively in the market, bringing in the likes of Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha—three players who actively chose the club.
There is no doubt that Anderson ranks among the most accomplished young midfielders in the game, but United must prioritise players who genuinely want to wear the shirt.
Securing the signatures of Cunha and Mbeumo proved vital in that regard, with both rejecting alternative Premier League interest to move to Old Trafford. They chose Manchester United.
United’s Alternatives
While United may now scale back their pursuit of Anderson, the club’s midfield shortlist remains both expansive and balanced between youth and experience.
United have considered the likes of Sandro Tonali, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton, among others.
The Real Madrid duo of Tchouameni and Camavinga could emerge as key options. While Madrid may resist selling both, Tchouameni profiles as a natural successor to Casemiro, while Camavinga has struggled to fully cement his place after five years at the club.
Tier-one source Simon Peach of the Press Association confirmed United’s interest in Tchouameni, noting that the club continue to assess their midfield options ahead of the summer window.
United will look to bring in at least two midfielders over the summer, and Tchouameni and Camavinga may well fit that brief.
