Manchester United have suffered a major setback in their long-term plan to rebuild their midfield. Their number-one target, Elliot Anderson, has reportedly informed those close to him that he would prefer a move to Manchester City rather than joining the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
United are preparing a full-scale midfield overhaul in 2026. The club intend to bring in at least one new central midfielder, and potentially two or three, depending on availability and budget.
Several names have been shortlisted, including Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Elliot Anderson—the three players United value highest. Meanwhile, Joao Gomes and Conor Gallagher are seen only as “market opportunities” if their transfer fees become favorable.
According to TEAMtalk (Monday, December 1, 2025), Manchester United’s ideal scenario is to eventually sign all three priority midfielders, spread across the next two or three transfer windows.
Of the trio, it is Anderson—currently one of Nottingham Forest’s brightest talents—who is seen as the perfect fit for United’s long-term vision. Forest will not sell the player in January, but a summer transfer remains realistic, with his price tag estimated between £80 million and £100 million.
Pep Guardiola Has Fallen in Love with Anderson — City Enter the Race
United’s carefully planned strategy may now collapse. According to Daily Mail via TEAMtalk, Manchester City have joined the hunt and are applying serious pressure in the race for Anderson’s signature.
Pep Guardiola, alongside sporting director Hugo Viana, is said to be “absolutely convinced” that Anderson is a special talent and a rare opportunity they cannot afford to ignore.
Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reinforced the growing belief that Anderson is now leaning toward Manchester City.
“City have fallen in love with Elliot Anderson. Their scouts have watched him more than 10 times since the start of the season,”
Tavolieri reported.
The only obstacle, he says, is Forest’s massive asking price.
With the club demanding over £100 million, no agreement has been reached yet. Anderson will not be sold in January, and a transfer would only be considered after the 2026 World Cup.
Crucially, Tavolieri adds:
“He has already informed his professional circle that City are his priority for the future.”
Anderson is widely expected to become a future pillar of the England national team, further increasing his value and appeal.
United Complications Continue: Amorim Rejects Selling Joshua Zirkzee
In a separate development, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly blocked the club’s plan to sell Joshua Zirkzee during the January 2026 window.
Amorim believes the Dutch striker is finally starting to show his potential and deserves more opportunities to prove himself at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, financial reports indicate that Manchester United sit at the top of Europe’s net spending table over the past five years—yet have little on-pitch success to show for it. The pressure on the club’s recruitment department continues to mount.
Manchester City Plot January Surprise Transfer While Eyeing Tijjani Reijnders
On the blue side of Manchester, City are preparing what insiders describe as a “surprise signing” early in the January 2026 window. The target is reportedly a player also wanted by Liverpool and could significantly strengthen City’s pursuit of Arsenal in the title race.
City are also monitoring the progress of new midfield signing Tijjani Reijnders, whose performances have sparked debate among supporters.
Some fans believe he has the potential to flourish in Guardiola’s system by next season, while others have expressed early concerns about his adaptation and impact.
Conclusion: United Face a Midfield Crisis as City Pull Ahead
What was supposed to be the centerpiece of Manchester United’s 2026 rebuild is now at risk of falling apart. While United continue to admire Elliot Anderson, the player himself seems increasingly drawn to the winning project at Manchester City.
With Pep Guardiola pushing hard, scouts invested, and the player openly leaning toward the Etihad, Manchester United may soon have to pivot to other targets.
As the transfer race intensifies, one question remains:
Can United convince Anderson to reconsider, or will Manchester City land England’s next midfield star?
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