HERE WE GO: Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly sanctioned the departure of five first-team players, as INEOS prepares for what is being described as a major squad overhaul ahead of the January transfer window.
Following a recent board meeting, the club is said to be gearing up for its most significant restructuring yet, aiming to reshape the squad for the second half of the season.
Despite these transformative plans, fresh reports indicate that Manchester United will not be pursuing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson during the winter window.
This comes as a disappointment to fans who have been calling for reinforcements in midfield, a position that was widely recognized as a weakness throughout last season.
Although United’s recruitment team explored several options—including initial contacts over potential moves for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba—neither negotiation materialized into a concrete deal.
Anderson, who has become one of the most talked-about midfield prospects in the Premier League, had been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford in recent weeks.
However, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook has dismissed the possibility of Anderson joining United in January.
According to him, the deal is simply not on the table. Crook suggested that the only realistic midfield option United may consider is Conor Gallagher, and even that would likely be a loan arrangement depending on his availability.
Gallagher, who is pushing to reclaim a consistent spot in the England national team, might be open to such a move as it could increase his chances ahead of international competitions.
Crook questioned the logic behind a move for Anderson at this stage, emphasizing the financial aspect. He pointed out that Nottingham Forest paid a substantial fee around £35 million—to secure the midfielder from Newcastle United. The current rumours of a £100 million valuation have sparked debate.
While Crook acknowledged Anderson as a talented player, he argued that such a price may be inflated given his experience level.
On the same show, former Chelsea and West Ham defender Scott Minto weighed in on the discussion. Minto stressed that Nottingham Forest would have no reason to lower their asking price, especially for a player performing at such a high level.
In his view, Anderson’s current form justifies the attention he is receiving. Minto praised the young midfielder’s intelligence, composure, and confidence—even during difficult periods for Forest.
He highlighted Anderson’s excellent ball control, his willingness to take responsibility under pressure, and his ability to dictate play with clever movement and sharp vertical passes.
According to Minto, Anderson possesses the calm, measured style seen in some of the game’s great midfielders not in terms of his career achievements yet, but in the way he reads and controls the rhythm of a match.
Minto concluded by calling him “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League right now,” underscoring why Forest would hold firm on their valuation.
