Rio Ferdinand believes Elliot Anderson would be a good addition to the Manchester United squad, as the Red Devils look to bolster their midfield options. The need for a new central midfielder is now higher, with Casemiro set to depart at the end of the season at the conclusion of his deal.
A number of names have already been linked with potential moves to Old Trafford including Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest star Anderson, as well as Newcastle duo Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Ferdinand’s Verdict on Anderson
Ferdinand believes Elliot Anderson is the right type of player and character for Manchester United. He noted that at the beginning of the season everyone was talking about Carlos Baleba, but his form seems to have dipped.
Ferdinand said, “Beginning of the season everyone was talking about [Carlos] Baleba, he seems to have gone off the boil a little bit form wise.”
“Elliot Anderson, he seems to have jumped to the front of the queue. I think he’s a wonderful player. I think Elliot Anderson is the right type not only of player but character, I think he’d be a good addition to the squad.”
Qualities United Need
Ferdinand outlined the qualities that United require in a midfielder. He feels the club needs “somebody who is a bit more all-action, who can cover ground, who is dynamic, who is robust, strong, who can drive a team.”
“Right now Anderson seems to be ticking those boxes. But I think there are a few other young guns out there who I won’t mention their names yet because I don’t want anyone else to get on that scent.”
Anderson’s Current Situation
Anderson, 23, joined Forest from Newcastle in the summer of 2024 and has made 82 appearances for the Midlands side. He has also kicked off his international career over recent seasons, with six caps for England.
The midfielder remains under contract with Forest until 2029. It has previously been reported that the club want to bank around £80million should they choose to sell Anderson, a price that United have accepted they will have to pay in order to land one of their top targets.
Anderson addressed speculation about his future earlier this season. “I’m just focusing on my football at the moment and performing and trying to give everything for Nottingham Forest, really,” he said. “So that’s all that’s on my mind.”