LIVE UPDATE: Manchester United have sent shockwaves through the transfer market after dramatically stepping in to snatch a major target away from Liverpool.
Reports claim the £100 million–rated star has already completed his medical and is expected to be in the stands today to watch United in action, as he edges closer to sealing a high-profile move under the guidance of Michael Carrick.
According to information published by The Daily Mail, Manchester United have singled out Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as their number-one choice to succeed Casemiro ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
With a significant midfield rebuild planned, the club is determined to bring in a high-calibre defensive midfielder who can anchor the team and maintain elite standards for the long term.
Casemiro’s departure has already been confirmed, with the Brazilian set to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires on June 30.
As a result, United’s recruitment department has intensified efforts to identify a replacement capable of matching his influence and experience.
Although the club has been linked with several promising names — including Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton — sources suggest it is widely known within Old Trafford that Anderson sits at the very top of United’s shortlist.
The former Newcastle United academy product is seen as an ideal fit for Carrick’s vision. Anderson combines strong defensive awareness with excellent composure in possession, qualities that have elevated him into the England setup in recent times.
His ability to read the game, break up play, and distribute the ball efficiently has made him one of the most highly rated midfielders in the league.
Nottingham Forest, however, are unlikely to make negotiations easy. The club are expected to demand a fee exceeding £100 million to consider selling one of their most valuable players.
United may also need to secure Champions League qualification to persuade Anderson, especially with Manchester City closely monitoring his situation and prepared to compete for his signature.
On the pitch, Anderson appears to be a natural successor to Casemiro. Since completing his move from Newcastle to Forest in the summer of 2024, the 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength.
He played a crucial role last season as Forest pushed their way into European qualification, establishing himself as a key figure in the squad.
Even amid Forest’s struggles this season, Anderson’s individual numbers have continued to improve. He averages 58 passes per Premier League match with an impressive 86 percent completion rate, underlining his reliability in possession.
With higher-quality teammates around him, those figures are expected to rise even further.
Defensively, Anderson has been equally outstanding. He averages 8.4 ball recoveries per game and wins around eight duels per match, showcasing his physical presence and determination.
He also makes close to three tackles per appearance, reinforcing his reputation as a relentless and disciplined midfielder.
In addition, he has contributed three goal involvements, highlighting his ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.
Manchester United currently find themselves well placed in the race for Champions League football. They trail fourth-placed Liverpool by just one point and still have a game in hand against Arsenal.
Securing a top-four finish could prove decisive, not only in meeting Forest’s hefty valuation but also in outmaneuvering rivals like Manchester City in the race for Anderson.
If United succeed, the signing would represent a major statement of intent — a clear signal that the club is serious about rebuilding with elite, Premier League–proven talent at the heart of Michael Carrick’s project.
