Manchester United have conceded defeat to bitter rivals Manchester City in the race to sign Elliot Anderson. The England and Nottingham Forest midfielder had been identified as one of United's primary summer targets, but club officials are not prepared to meet the £100 million asking price.
United's Understanding and City's Confidence
United are also of the understanding that Anderson would prefer to join City rather than them. It is understood that City remain increasingly confident of securing the 23-year-old's signature, despite the recent departure of Pep Guardiola. Enzo Maresca, expected to replace Guardiola at the Etihad, has given his seal of approval to the deal.
United will now turn their attention elsewhere in their quest for midfield reinforcements ahead of next season. Adam Wharton, Carlos Belaba, and Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde remain possible targets. Additionally, United have considered a shock move for Alexis Mac Allister, but they acknowledge that striking a deal with Liverpool is highly unlikely.
City's Timing and Forest's Stance
City would like to secure Anderson's services before he heads to the World Cup with England. However, Nottingham Forest are aware that Anderson's value will increase further if he has a successful tournament with the Three Lions. Forest will not stand in Anderson's way this summer if he decides to make the step up to a bigger club.
Anderson's Rise to Prominence
Anderson, who won the 2025 European U21 Championship with England last summer, joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35 million. He has since established himself as one of the Premier League's best midfielders and is expected to start England's opening World Cup group game against Croatia in Dallas. Last weekend's match against Bournemouth was his 50th appearance of the season, and Forest fans gave him a standing ovation.
