“Desperate”: PL rival reacts to United’s red-hot pursuit of their versatile talent tailor-made for Amorim’s system – report

In 2026, Manchester United are expected to inject much-needed quality into their engine room.

The midfield remains a major concern for United head coach Ruben Amorim. While, on paper, he has capable options at his disposal, he has struggled to find balance at the centre of the park.

Individual shortcomings in the current options have made it difficult for the Portuguese tactician to settle on a reliable central midfield partnership.

As a head coach, “if what you have cannot help you”, perhaps the transfer market can.

Midfield chase

Behind the scenes, INEOS are already weighing up midfield options to bring stability to the side.

Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton remain dream targets. Still, with financial hurdles likely to complicate any deal, United have now turned their attention to one of English football’s hottest prospects: Elliot Anderson, who has been added to their list of top midfield options.

Forest raid

Following The Peoples Person’s recent claim that “Elliot Anderson has everything Ruben Amorim wants from his midfielder,” it appears that piece may have nudged United’s decision-makers into action.

As revealed on Friday, United are prepared to table an offer in the region of £50 million to land the former Newcastle man.

The plan is to submit that bid as soon as the January transfer window opens.

Whether that figure will be enough to tempt Forest into a sale is unclear. But it may bring them to the negotiating table.

Forest’s stance on a potential sale

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, it is unlikely the West Bridgford Premier League outfit will entertain any approaches for their versatile midfielder.

O’Rourke reports:

“The boss (Ange Postecoglou) is ‘desperate’ to keep hold of his best players and Forest remain confident they can fend off interested clubs.

“He’ll be desperate to keep Anderson if anybody comes knocking for him.

“He’s on a long-term contract at the City Ground until 2029, so Forest are under no pressure to sell.”

Tricky deal

The lines have been drawn, Forest are set to resist a sale, while United appear ready to push hard.

Their ability to fend off Tottenham’s aggressive pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White should give United pause as they eye Anderson.

Only time will tell how this transfer saga unfolds.

But one thing is clear: Anderson looks tailor-made for Amorim’s midfield.

His blend of defensive coverage, duels, and blocks, combined with elite playmaking, could make him the perfect fit for United’s engine room.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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