Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United to make Elliot Anderson their summer priority, arguing the Nottingham Forest midfielder’s Premier League form and England credentials could transform United’s engine room — even if it requires a major transfer outlay in a likely summer bidding duel with Manchester City.
Scholes urges United to target Elliot Anderson
Paul Scholes believes Elliot Anderson represents a rare midfield prospect who can step into the vacuum left by Casemiro’s exit. The former Manchester United midfielder argues Anderson’s blend of physicality, technique and leadership makes him a player worth pursuing aggressively this summer.
What Scholes said and why it matters
Scholes praised Anderson’s output at Nottingham Forest and his readiness for the next level with England. He stopped short of claiming Anderson is the lone solution, insisting United will need multiple reinforcements in midfield, but named Anderson as a foundational piece alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
Anderson’s profile: a No.6/8 with Premier League pedigree
Elliot Anderson, 23, arrived at Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United and has emerged as a central figure in a turbulent season. Comfortable as a defensive six or box-to-box eight, he combines ball-carrying, pressing intensity and passing range — qualities that translate well to top-level midfield roles.
Why top clubs are circling
Anderson’s England call-ups and consistent Premier League performances have amplified his market value. Nottingham Forest’s recovery under Vitor Pereira preserved Anderson’s standing and ensured chairman Evangelos Marinakis can demand a substantial fee, with a six-figure offer widely mooted.
United vs City: a summer showdown
Manchester United and Manchester City are both linked to Anderson, setting up a high-profile transfer battle. City are often viewed as favourites for elite midfield targets, but Scholes argues United should not cede ground given the player’s fit with existing youngsters like Mainoo.
Financial reality and transfer dynamics
Forest paid roughly £35m to sign Anderson from Newcastle; his next move could command multiples of that figure. A fee in the region of £100m has been suggested in market talk, reflecting competition and Anderson’s rare combination of attributes for his age.
What Anderson would bring to United
Tactically, Anderson offers dynamic ball progression, aggression without recklessness, and the stamina to bridge defence and attack. Paired with Kobbie Mainoo, he would give United a balance of energy and composure in midfield — a platform for both pressing and controlled possession.
Potential challenges and context
Top-level scrutiny will intensify with Champions League football and high-stakes matches; Anderson has yet to prove himself consistently at that stage. Integration into United’s system will require careful management and at least one additional midfield signing, as Scholes highlighted.
Implications for Nottingham Forest
Forest stand to secure significant funds that could reshape the squad and stabilise the club’s finances. Keeping Anderson through the summer would be unlikely if a sizeable offer arrives, but selling could fund multiple reinforcements and longer-term projects under Pereira.
Conclusion: a calculated gamble worth taking
For Manchester United, Anderson represents both an immediate upgrade and a long-term asset. Backing Scholes’ view means being prepared to spend and to assemble complementary midfield pieces.
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If United want to close the gap on City, the club will need conviction in the transfer market — and Anderson is the kind of acquisition that signals serious intent.
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