The start of the season is going from bad to worse for Manchester United. The loss against Manchester City in the derby once again showed how weak their midfield is.
The Red Devils have spent the past two transfer windows searching for midfield solutions. They had big names on the table. Yet in the end, nothing materialised.
United wanted Carlos Baleba from Brighton, but the nine-figure valuation quickly shut down any chance of a deal.
Interest in Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez and Atalanta’s Ederson also faded away, leaving Ruben Amorim with fewer fresh options in the middle of the park.
For now, Kobbie Mainoo remains at Old Trafford, although the youngster is unsettled and could push again for a move either in January or next summer.
Meanwhile, Casemiro is entering the twilight of his career. The Brazilian turns 34 in February and his deal is running out, though United can extend it for another 12 months.
Even if he stays, the message is clear. United need new energy in midfield. That is why they are searching the market for the right midfielder.
Reports from Football Insider suggest the club have learned the exact price they would need to pay to sign one of their target.
Transfer News Live have already reported that Manchester United are eyeing a move for Elliot Anderson.
Nottingham Forest have set a fee at around £70m, nearly double what they spent to sign him last year.
Signed from Newcastle for £35.7m, the 22-year-old has quickly become the heartbeat of Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Forest do not want to lose him, and Anderson himself is in no rush to leave, with a contract running until 2029.
England call-ups have only underlined his rise. In September, Anderson starred against Andorra and Serbia, topping charts for passes into the final third, possession won, and duels won.
Forest may insist he is not for sale, but United know the situation could shift. With a £70m asking price on the table, a transfer battle is already brewing for 2026.
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