Man Utd's £100 Million January Dream Crushed as Target Slams Door Shut
Manchester United's aspirations to secure Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson during the January transfer window have been firmly dismissed according to a fresh report. Nevertheless, this position may change significantly come summer.
United's requirement for midfield additions became more apparent once the September transfer window concluded. The attack was effectively strengthened while Senne Lammens arrived to bolster the goalkeeping department. Amorim possesses numerous center-back choices, yet the middle of the field remains severely lacking in depth.
Bruno Fernandes's injury has merely highlighted an already pressing concern.
Anderson emerged as one of the primary candidates to address this gap. A proven England squad member and promising Premier League performer who can contribute effectively in both attacking and defensive phases, his abilities are clear. Nottingham Forest, though, equally appreciate their versatile asset and have zero plans to part with him during the current season.
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, speaking on NBC Sports, the transfer is "not going to happen" since Forest "don't want to do anything at this point in time."
A deal running until 2029 places Forest in a commanding position while Anderson is not believed to be agitating for a departure. Furthermore, his World Cup ambitions must be considered, which presently look promising but could easily deteriorate should he experience a difficult adjustment to the pressures of contemporary Manchester United.
The report additionally highlights United's precarious financial situation regarding the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations (PSR). Before updated rules take effect next season, teams must still prevent losses exceeding £105 million ($141.9 million) across a three-year rolling period.
United have accumulated a net expenditure of £395 million since 2023—ranking third globally during this timeframe—and lack the financial benefit of European competition to enhance their income. Given Forest's anticipated asking price of £80–100 million for Anderson, such spending would necessitate the type of extensive squad reconstruction rarely seen mid-campaign. However, not at season's end.
'Completely Different Story'—Man Utd's Anderson Aspirations for Summer 2026
Within the same report, Ornstein cautioned that United's chase for Anderson during summer "could be a completely different story." Considering Forest's probable exclusion from European tournaments next season—they will celebrate Christmas in 17th position—the club might struggle to reject substantial offers.
Morgan Gibbs-White notably remained at the City Ground last summer despite turbulent transfer discussions with Tottenham Hotspur because Forest enjoyed the financial advantages of Europa League participation. The prospect of Anderson uncomfortably standing alongside Evangelos Marinakis to announce a contract extension next year seems highly improbable.
However, United will still encounter competition for Anderson.
The 23-year-old is reportedly targeted by Manchester City and Chelsea alongside United, while German champions Bayern Munich have also been linked with interest.
The race for Anderson continues, but must wait another six months.