Anderson Set to Snub Manchester United for Manchester City Move
Manchester United have accepted that midfield target Elliot Anderson is leaning toward a summer switch to rivals Manchester City, dealing a significant blow to their recruitment plans ahead of the new season.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder has been one of the standout performers of the campaign, impressing consistently at the City Ground and placing himself firmly on the radar of the Premier League’s elite. Forest remain adamant that Anderson will not be sold in January and are expected to demand a fee in the region of £100 million if they are to consider offers later in the year.
The 23 year old has become the focal point of a growing transfer tug of war after a season that has showcased his composure, work rate, and ability to influence games from midfield. Chelsea have also monitored his progress, but the strongest interest has come from Manchester United and City, both of whom are planning major midfield reshuffles in the summer window.
United’s interest forms part of a broader rebuild, with a three man shortlist drawn up that also includes Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and England international Adam Wharton. City, meanwhile, are expected to reinforce centrally due to ongoing concerns surrounding Rodri’s long term fitness following the serious knee injury that has limited his league involvement this season.
Despite interest from both clubs, reports suggest United internally believe Anderson has already made up his mind. There is a growing expectation that the former Newcastle player views City as the preferred destination, a development that would reshape the balance of power in the upcoming transfer market.
United’s urgency is heightened by a wave of midfield uncertainty. Casemiro has confirmed he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, closing the chapter on a four year spell that saw him play 146 matches and score 21 goals. Questions also linger over Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, with Fernandes previously attracting interest from Saudi Arabia and Ugarte linked with a possible loan exit.
While those doubts persist, there is stability in one area. Kobbie Mainoo is expected to commit his future to United, with a new deal planned despite recent speculation following his temporary drop from the starting lineup earlier in the season. A change in management has reopened his path into the first team, and his role in the recent derby victory underlined his importance.
That 2 0 win over City at Old Trafford offered a rare bright moment for United, but it also highlighted the contrasting trajectories of the two clubs. City have struggled for rhythm in early 2026, with limited domestic success and a damaging European defeat compounding concerns around squad depth and injuries.
For Anderson, the decision now appears to be about timing rather than destination. With Forest determined to hold firm until the summer and both Manchester clubs reshaping their midfields, his choice could become one of the defining moves of the upcoming window and a transfer that shifts momentum at the top of the Premier League.