United line up Forest’s Elliot Anderson as Amorim’s £100m midfield jewel for 2026

Manchester United are thinking big for 2026, and the name at the top of Ruben Amorim’s shopping list is Nottingham Forest livewire Elliot Anderson. After a breakout spell that’s put him firmly on England’s radar, the 23-year-old has surged to the front of United’s midfield plans, and the noises from Old Trafford suggest they’re absolutely smitten.

United’s prime midfield pick

Respected reporter Andy Mitten has hinted strongly that United fancy Anderson for the long haul. He even urged the lad to seize the moment, drawing a parallel with another Geordie icon who took the leap to Old Trafford decades ago and never looked back. The message? Don’t let this train speed past.

United view Anderson as a headline signing for 2026 — the fee could soar past £100m — and they know his value is climbing with every standout display for Forest and England. He only arrived at the City Ground from Newcastle in the summer of 2024 and is tied down until June 2029, which explains the premium. But when a midfielder has that blend of bite, balance and bravery on the ball, you pay for quality.

Why Anderson suits Amorim

Amorim’s blueprint thrives on energy, quick transitions and midfielders who can both snap into tackles and surge through lines. Anderson ticks those boxes. He covers grass, keeps the tempo high, and has the personality to handle the weight of a rebuild at Old Trafford. In short, he looks tailor-made for the manager’s up-tempo approach.

Baleba stays on the radar

United haven’t put all their eggs in one basket. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba — the 21-year-old Cameroonian — remains high on the list. After positive chats in the summer, the feeling around the lad is that he’d jump at the chance to wear red. He’s raw but powerful, and the ceiling is frighteningly high.

Casemiro calls and contract questions

Here’s the current conundrum: Casemiro’s deal runs out at season’s end. The 33-year-old has been vital under Amorim, with three goals and an assist in 11 Premier League outings, but United are weighing a renewal at reduced terms. Harry Maguire’s situation is similar, with the club also considering an extension as his contract ticks down.

January watch: Joao Gomes

Don’t rule out a mid-season move either. Wolves’ Joao Gomes is one to watch in January, with reports suggesting a price around £44m. Given Wolves’ struggles — rooted to the bottom with no wins in a dozen — a winter shake-up could open the door. Gomes brings steel and snap, the sort of profile United have lacked when injuries bite.

The bigger picture

If United can land Anderson next year, it signals a serious statement: the engine room is getting younger, quicker and bolder. Blend that with a savvy decision on Casemiro and a potential pick-up like Baleba or Gomes, and Amorim’s midfield suddenly looks like one that can run with anyone in the league.

Feeling confident about where United finish if these moves land? Have a look at the best betting sites and see how the odds stack up.