Man United eye Elliot Anderson as Forest signal January no-go

Nottingham Forest intend to reject any January approaches for Elliot Anderson, yet Manchester United have quietly positioned the 22-year-old high on their summer shortlist. Club sources describe Anderson as a ready-made No.8 for United's high-tempo press and vertical transitions. Alongside Anderson, United continue to monitor Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba as part of a wider midfield refresh under the INEOS-led structure. Forest value Anderson highly after his strong integration since joining last summer on a long-term deal, so any deal will demand a premium. Still, there is confidence a summer pathway exists if United move early and decisively.

Club briefings in England indicate Nottingham Forest have no intention of entertaining January offers for Elliot Anderson, who arrived last summer on a long-term contract and has impressed with his intensity and ball-carrying from midfield. Manchester United's recruitment team, operating under INEOS with Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox steering strategy, have been assessing options for a box-to-box profile since the autumn. Anderson features among targets that include Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, with internal planning leaning toward a summer 2025 midfield reset rather than a winter fix.

🚨 JUST IN: Nottingham Forest are determined to reject any approach for Elliot Anderson during the January transfer window. [@TomCollomosse]

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

If Forest hold firm in January, the market dynamic shifts toward a summer negotiation where both clubs can plan with clarity around PSR and squad building. For United, Anderson represents a rare fit: Premier League-proven, homegrown, aggressive in the press, and capable of breaking lines with a first touch that opens the pitch. He carries the ball through traffic and hunts second balls, traits United have lacked when opponents collapse the middle. In possession he plays simple, then bursts beyond the first line, which pairs naturally with United's wide forwards cutting inside and a striker who likes early service.

Forest's leverage is real. Anderson signed a long-term deal and has built chemistry in a midfield that leans on his running power and recovery bursts. That means a premium fee and potentially creative structuring - staggered payments, achievable add-ons tied to appearances and European qualification, and a sell-on kicker. From a squad-planning lens, United can offset outgoings in the same window, aligning amortization with departures to remain compliant.

From a tactical perspective, United would gain a high-volume presser who can cover half-spaces and protect full-backs, which eases the load on the back line. For Forest, cashing in at the right number could unlock two or three targeted additions. Net-net, the move looks value-accretive for United's midfield identity and gives Forest a chance to reinvest, but only on summer terms.

Reaction

United fans split into two camps. One side is buzzing about Anderson's engine and upside, pointing to his sharp ball carries and work rate since his move last summer. They see a modern No.8 who thrives in broken play and believe he would elevate United's counter-press instantly. The other side is wary of British premiums and skeptical of reports tied to tabloid pedigrees, pushing for alternatives like Adam Wharton or Carlos Baleba if fees spiral.

Forest supporters are protective and vocal. Many highlight Anderson's seamless fit under Nuno's structure, his discipline off the ball, and the sense that the team loses ten yards of field position without him. The message is blunt: not for sale in January, name your price in July. Neutrals call it smart posture by Forest - hold in winter, monetize in summer when the buyer pool broadens.

There is also a pragmatic angle among United followers: if INEOS want intensity and age-profile alignment, Anderson ticks both boxes and is less risky than chasing a Serie A standout adapting to the league. The consensus across threads is clear - January is unlikely, but the summer feels very alive if United move with conviction.

Social reactions

I’m not taking a Daily Mail journalist serious man

Logan Smith (@logansmt2413)

Gomes most likely in January if we decide to bring in a midfielder

UWT (@UtdWrestlinTalk)

Who tf is Tom oh wait he works for the daily mail most likely bs they love a made up story

Gunter (@GunterDice)

Prediction

- January: Forest say no. United keep dialogue warm but prioritize internal solutions and short-term flexibility. Scouting reports on Anderson continue across key fixtures, with fitness metrics and high-intensity run data emphasized.

- Spring: United advance groundwork. Expect discreet conversations over price bands and payment structure, with Forest pushing for a premium reflecting contract length and Premier League tax. United line up a shortlist buffer - Wharton and Baleba - to maintain leverage.

- Early summer window: If United accelerate sales and free wages, an opening bid arrives quickly to pre-empt competition. Forest test the market, but a structured package with add-ons tied to Champions League qualification could swing it. Anderson is briefed on role specifics - an advanced No.8 with license to press and break lines.

- Pre-season: Should the move land, Anderson plugs straight into United's midfield with a defined remit next to a deeper controller. If Forest resist beyond a certain valuation, United pivot to Wharton or Baleba, but the current trajectory points to Anderson as Plan A, with real momentum once June books reset.

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Conclusion

Forest have played this well - hold firm now, keep the player central to the run-in, then reassess in a seller-friendly summer. United, meanwhile, are aligning profile with philosophy. Anderson fits the brief and the league, and that matters more than the noise around price. My read after calls this afternoon: no January drama, strong summer intent. United will try to move early to avoid a bidding spiral, and Forest will listen if the structure respects their valuation and timing.

I have watched Anderson up close since his breakout months and spoke to coaches who rave about his repeat sprints and body orientation under pressure. That is what United need when games get chaotic. The pieces are on the board. It is about timing, not desire, and the summer window gives both sides the clean runway to make it happen.