Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has signed off on a huge summer transfer, reversing the club's earlier decision to abandon the pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old, valued at £100 million, is also a target for Manchester City, but United remain confident they can secure his services.
United's Midfield Overhaul
After initially accepting defeat due to Forest's hefty valuation and City's strong interest, United shifted focus to Atalanta's Ederson. A £38 million deal for the Brazilian international, who received a late World Cup call-up, has been completed. However, a second midfield acquisition is now under consideration, with West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Brighton's Carlos Baleba also on the radar.
Anderson's Wage Demands
According to The Guardian, United remain determined to land Anderson, with club executives optimistic they can pip City to his signature. Ratcliffe is reportedly willing to meet Anderson's wage request, which currently stands at £100,000 per week at Nottingham Forest. A 50% pay rise is anticipated upon his move to either Manchester club. City have already submitted an offer that was rejected and are preparing a second proposal exceeding £80 million, but that still falls short of Forest's valuation.
World Cup Impact
A stellar World Cup performance for Anderson with England could drive up his price further. He is expected to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield for the Three Lions' group-stage opener against Croatia. United's Kobbie Mainoo is the primary backup option, while Marcus Rashford is competing with Anthony Gordon for the left-wing spot. Rashford remains determined to secure a permanent move to Barcelona, rejecting potential transfers to Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich.
Despite not featuring for United in 18 months, potential replacements for Rashford within the squad are being evaluated. Everton's Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as a target, while RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande was also considered but appears destined for Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool. Diomande's World Cup performances for Ivory Coast could influence his future as they face Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao.
United initially sought to avoid such complications with Ederson, but he has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti as a replacement for the injured Wesley.
