Manchester United is making every effort to sign Anderson, but they still risk being outbid by Manchester City! If Guardiola stays, Anderson will definitely join.

As 2026 unfolds, British media reveal that Manchester United has decided to go "all out" to secure Nottingham Forest's Elliott Anderson. The 23-year-old England international has become the club’s top target for the New Year transfer window, with Rúben Amorim believing he fits perfectly into his tactical system.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mike Brown stated that neither United nor any other club is likely to acquire Anderson during the January transfer window; his move is expected to happen in the summer. Manchester United is determined to overcome growing competition and successfully sign Anderson.

“Elliott Anderson is the player Manchester United most wants to bring in,” Brown told Football Insider. “United will likely spare no effort to recruit him. From what I know, they are fully prepared to go all in because they absolutely don’t want to miss this opportunity.”

Brown further explained: “Will Anderson transfer in January? I think the chances are slim because Forest need to avoid relegation. Anyone wanting to sign Anderson must be patient, but Manchester United is ready to pay whatever it takes. For Amorim, Anderson is considered the perfect fit. He has proven with Forest and England that he can control matches by his own ability, not just when the team is playing well.”

Regarding Anderson’s most attractive qualities, Brown said: “He is energetic, constantly running around the pitch, never afraid to take the initiative. And once he wins the ball, he immediately looks up to find teammates to combine with. That’s exactly what Manchester United has been searching for, and they know it, so they are determined to secure him rather than let others get him.”

However, although Manchester United remains the Premier League’s top club, they are no longer as appealing, and signing Elliott Anderson faces two major obstacles. First is the price: with more teams showing interest, including Manchester City and Liverpool, Nottingham Forest has raised Anderson’s transfer fee demand to over £100 million, selling to the highest bidder.

Additionally, Manchester City is very confident they can successfully outbid their local rivals. The "Citizens" believe their club is a far more attractive destination for quality players, offering better chances to compete for titles and guaranteed Champions League football every season. The recent winter transfer decision of Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who rejected United to join City, is the latest example.

Anderson is reportedly a Manchester City fan; on social media, besides following his current club Nottingham Forest, he only follows Manchester City. If Guardiola remains in charge after this season, the English midfielder is almost certain to choose the sky-blue side of Manchester over the red. Anderson prefers Guardiola’s possession-based style over Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.

The most likely scenario for Manchester United to win Anderson is to offer £100 million and hope Manchester City won’t match that price, then convince the player with a high salary. However, this also requires Amorim to at least secure Champions League qualification this season, since the England international, already involved in European competition, will want to play in the Champions League next season.

If Manchester United misses out on Forest’s star Anderson, they have a long list of alternatives. The Daily Mail listed eight players with rich Premier League experience: Crystal Palace’s Adam Walton, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, Wolves’ João Gomes, Al Hilal’s Rúben Neves, and Everton’s James Garner.