Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has waxed lyrical over a young Premier League midfielder who is being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
Manchester United didn’t sign a midfielder last summer because other areas of the team took priority. There was emphasis on signing attacking talent, with the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, but Ruben Amorim is expected to address the midfield area in 2026.
Many targets have emerged since the beginning of the 2025/26 season, such as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. They’ve both been among the top-performing midfielders in the Premier League this season, while fitting the profile of a typical Ineos-led signing, as they’re both in their early twenties.
Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
It remains to be seen which midfielder will become United’s priority target, but they may want to follow the strategy that has proved to be a success with Mbeumo and Cunha – by signing players with Premier League experience to help them hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
United will be keeping a close eye on the likes of Wharton and Anderson throughout the remainder of the season, and there will undoubtedly be other alternative options on the club’s radar.
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesJack Wilshere impressed by Man Utd-linked Elliot Anderson
Anderson stood out in United’s 2-2 draw with Forest earlier this season, giving a good account of himself in front of Amorim and potentially his future teammates.
The 23-year-old used his physicality in the middle of the pitch, and he proved dangerous in possession, spreading the ball out wide and starting transitions for Forest.
To his credit, Anderson has been performing week in week out for Forest, earning plaudits from several former players. It has led many to believe Anderson could replace Casemiro.
Luton Town manager and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been speaking to The Mirror about being impressed by Anderson this season.
After praising Arsenal ace Declan Rice, Wilshere praised Anderson in an interview with The Mirror.
“[Elliot] Anderson next to him, I think he’s outstanding. I really do,” Wilshere said.
“He’s everywhere, trying to play forwards, he loses the ball, he tries to win it back. A lot of quality.”
If Anderson keeps performing at this level throughout the season, Forest will find it very difficult to keep him next summer. Especially if he plays a role in the 2026 World Cup for England.
Man Utd have competition for Elliot Anderson transfer
According to The Mirror, in a separate report, United may need to fight off interest from four Premier League clubs for Anderson’s signature.
Are you confident Manchester United will beat Everton?
This comes a year after Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle in a deal worth £35 million.
It is understood that Forest are now attracting interest from Liverpool, Man City, Newcastle and Chelsea.
That means the Magpies are already thinking about bringing him back to St. James’ Park.