Manchester United have been dealt a massive blow as Manchester City believe they are in pole position to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, according to the Daily Mirror. The Cityzens are confident in signing Anderson for £65 million and allegedly plan on finalizing the deal before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Forest signed Anderson from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024 for a reported transfer fee of £35 million. The 23-year-old has impressed this season in the middle of the pitch and has even established himself as a first-team regular in the England national team.
With Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte expected to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, the Red Devils had reportedly selected Elliot Anderson as their top-priority summer signing. However, the England international has allegedly chosen Manchester City as his preferred destination, with the Cityzens increasingly confident in getting the deal over the line.
Anderson has made 41 appearances across all competitions for Forest this season, registering two goals and three assists.
“He’s not going to start being a Jose Mourinho” – Nicky Butt predicts Manchester United’s next permanent manager
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has backed Michael Carrick to be appointed as the club’s next permanent manager. Butt believes Carrick’s personality is well-suited for the Red Devils, and that there are no other standout options available, even claiming he wouldn’t be as controversial as Jose Mourinho.
Since replacing Ruben Amorim in January as interim manager, Carrick has impressed, guiding Manchester United to seven wins out of his 10 games in charge across all competitions. While he is contracted with the club until the summer, United’s hierarchy are yet to make a decision on the Red Devils’ next permanent head coach.
Butt said (via METRO):
“The thing with the Michael scenario is that it’s all well and good people saying that he’s not quite ready for the job, and I get that side of the argument as well. But for me, if you’re asking me the question, if you don’t give it to Michael then who are you giving it to? There’s nobody I can think of that is jumping out, going: that’s the man.”
He added:
“So that’s why I think Michael will get it. He’s doing a good job, he knows the football club. Even more importantly, I think the people above him will like working with Michael, he’s not going to cause them too much of a headache, he’s not going to start being a Jose Mourinho. He’s the easy choice. Also, their get out if was to go wrong… I don’t know anyone who is jumping out and they’re speaking to.”
Under Carrick’s tutelage, Manchester United are currently third in the Premier League standings and are likely to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in two years.
Edited by Silas Sud
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