Manchester United's strategy for the January transfer window has been thrown into disarray following the dramatic dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim, with a key move for midfield target Elliot Anderson now effectively blocked.
Interim Manager Search Takes Priority
The Old Trafford hierarchy is currently focused on appointing a temporary boss to steer the club until the season's end after showing Amorim the door last week. The Portuguese coach's explosive post-match comments following a draw with Leeds United, where he publicly challenged sporting director Jason Wilcox, proved to be his final act. He was relieved of his duties less than 24 hours later.
United officials are now understood to be in discussions with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ex-player Michael Carrick regarding a potential return to the dugout on an interim basis. This managerial upheaval has directly impacted the club's ability to conduct transfer business this month.
Forest Stand Firm on Star Man Anderson
One casualty of the internal chaos is United's pursuit of Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Chelsea, was a top target for the Red Devils.
However, Forest have made their stance unequivocally clear: Anderson is not for sale in January. Despite Forest's struggles near the bottom of the Premier League table, the club views the former Newcastle United player as a crucial figure and will not entertain offers until the summer at the earliest.
Reports from The Athletic suggest that any potential deal would require a monumental bid in the region of £80 million to £100 million to even bring Forest to the negotiating table. Furthermore, the financial constraints of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) make such a significant winter outlay highly improbable for Premier League suitors.
Other Transfer Movements Stalled
The managerial change has caused a freeze on other potential dealings. Serie A side AS Roma have expressed interest in out-of-favour United forward Joshua Zirkzee but have been rebuffed. Roma's sporting director, Massara, confirmed the impasse, stating: "At the moment, United have closed off all transfer talks after the change of manager. I doubt they'll change their minds."
Zirkzee has found opportunities limited this season following the summer arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.
Loan Interest in United Youngster
There is, however, movement concerning a departure from Carrington. Championship promotion-chasers Hull City are keen on securing a loan deal for Manchester United youngster Toby Collyer. The 20-year-old midfielder was recalled from a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion earlier this month.
Hull boss Jakirovic revealed previous talks with United, saying: "We have an option to bring Collyer from Man United, so we will see... We spoke already this summer." He suggested Collyer may have initially chosen West Brom due to uncertainty over Hull's prospects, but the Tigers are now firmly in the play-off picture.
The coming days at Manchester United will be dominated by the appointment of an interim manager, with all major incoming transfer activity now likely postponed until the summer window, when the club's long-term managerial direction becomes clear.
