Michael Carrick has offered his assessment on Elliot Anderson as Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for the Nottingham Forest midfielder. The United head coach stated that Anderson "offers so much" to his side.
Anderson a Key Target for United
Anderson features prominently on United's shortlist this summer, though Manchester City are presently leading the race to secure his signature. The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League's finest midfielders since his switch to Forest from Newcastle, and he is expected to feature for England at this summer's World Cup.
United regard Anderson as a potential successor to Casemiro, who is poised to depart this summer. The Reds have earmarked substantial investment to bring in a replacement for the Brazilian, though Forest have slapped a £100 million valuation on Anderson.
United will not be enticed into a bidding war with City, but they maintain their interest in signing the midfielder, who will feature at Old Trafford when Forest make the trip on Sunday afternoon.
Carrick's Press Conference Comments
On Friday, Carrick addressed a press conference ahead of the fixture, and the United head coach was questioned about his fellow Wallsend Boys Club graduate Anderson. "Yeah, he's done well. I think he's a big part of their team," said Carrick. "I think he offers so much and they've got a really talented team and dangerous team. So they've had a good season to get to the [Europa League] semi-finals and just fall short. But yeah, you can see obviously he is important part of their team."
Anderson's Season and Forest's Stance
Anderson has featured in every Premier League fixture bar one for Forest this season, showcasing his resilience and playing a central role in their push to reach the Europa League semi-finals. Although United remain interested in Anderson, The Athletic has reported that Forest intend to keep all 'key players' this summer, including the ex-Newcastle midfielder and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Tuchel's Praise for Anderson
The 23-year-old is also regarded as essential to England by national team boss Thomas Tuchel. "Anderson is a key player for us at the moment. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League," Tuchel declared back in November. "That's why he is with us and starting for us. He deserves it because he has been nothing but impressive. He has to keep on going now though. He is a very complete and mobile midfielder, and that's what he keeps showing me."
Tuchel went on to say: "He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent. He is fulfilling his role in the best way possible so we are very happy with him."
