Manchester United Open Talks for Elliot Anderson
Manchester United have reportedly opened discussions with the representatives of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as they look to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s midfield options.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the standout performers since his move to the City Ground in 2024, catching the eye of United’s technical director Jason Wilcox and his recruitment team. Former United chief scout Mick Brown has also praised Anderson for doing a “tremendous job” for Forest. According to reports circulating on X, United officials recently held a meeting with CAA Stellar, the agency representing Anderson, to outline the club’s long-term project and gauge the player’s interest in a move.
The same source suggests that Anderson is expected to leave Forest in 2026, although it remains uncertain whether a transfer could happen as early as January or during the summer window. Talks are still in the preliminary stages, but INEOS are eager to position United ahead of potential rivals. The midfielder’s balanced profile makes him an appealing option, bridging the gap between a defensive-minded enforcer such as Carlos Baleba and a creative orchestrator like Adam Wharton.
Anderson, a former Newcastle United player, is widely regarded as a complete box-to-box midfielder who contributes effectively in both attack and defence. His energy and versatility could complement Kobbie Mainoo’s composure in a double pivot setup. Ideally, United aim to overhaul their midfield with at least two new additions, but such a rebuild might only be feasible through a major sale, with captain Bruno Fernandes viewed as the likely candidate to depart.
Ten Hag Reflects on His United Downfall
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly believes that Mason Mount’s persistent injuries were a decisive factor in his eventual dismissal from the club.
The Dutchman was sacked almost a year ago with United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, having secured just three wins from their opening nine fixtures. In Europe, the team drew all three of their opening Europa League games, leaving them in 21st position under the new coefficient-based format. Despite finishing eighth in the 2023/2024 campaign, United’s surprise FA Cup final victory over Manchester City convinced INEOS to retain Ten Hag and trigger a one-year contract extension.
However, the decision backfired as United were later forced to pay £13.5 million to terminate his deal prematurely. According to ESPN, Ten Hag maintains that “things might have been different” had Mount remained fit enough to fulfil his tactical role. The midfielder missed 26 matches in all competitions last season after joining from Chelsea for £55 million, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons.
Mount’s fitness woes continued into the following campaign, restricting him to just two league starts under Ten Hag before suffering another setback in a 3–0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. The former manager reportedly feels that Mount’s absence disrupted the rhythm of his midfield and contributed to United’s poor early-season form, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
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