Updated: 1 May 2026 16:38 BST |
5 min read
Manchester United target Elliot Anderson has been labelled as a “Rolls-Royce” after shining in Nottingham Forest’s Europa League semi-final first-leg victory over Aston Villa.
Anderson produced a magnificent midfield display as Forest took control of the tie with a 1-0 win at the City Ground, with the second leg to be played at Villa Park next Thursday (7 May).
The 23-year-old completed 91 per cent (63/69) of his attempted passes and created two chances on the night, though he was fortunate to go unpunished for a rough tackle on Ollie Watkins – a decision which Villa boss Unai Emery branded a “huge mistake” by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Shining in a major European semi-final for Vitor Pereira’s in-form Forest, Anderson’s display is likely to have caught the attention of reported suitors United, who are competing with rivals Manchester City for his signature.
The Athletic claim Anderson is United’s priority target as they look to revamp their midfield this summer, whereas Sky Sports believe Pep Guardiola’s City are in pole position to sign the former Newcastle United ace, who Forest are believed to value at €140million.
While it remains to be seen where Anderson ends up following the World Cup, where he is expected to start as England’s first-choice No. 6, the Forest man has been told he is going to become a future star regardless.
Writing on X following Anderson’s superb performance against Villa on Thursday, former Forest striker Stan Collymore – who represented the Tricky Trees between 1993 and 1995 – said: “Anderson. 10/10 starter. Rolls Royce who will be England Captain and an important one at that.”
England Watch 🏴
Anderson. 10/10 starter. Rolls Royce who will be England Captain and an important one at that.
Rogers. Gets on the plane but playing himself off it week by week. No chance he starts ahead of Bellingham.
MGW. Can do what Rogers does, and is reliable these days…
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) April 30, 2026
Also casting his eye over Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers and Forest vice captain Morgan Gibbs-White – two players who, like Anderson, are also hoping to be a part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this summer – Collymore added: “[Morgan] Rogers. Gets on the plane but playing himself off it week by week. No chance he starts ahead of Bellingham.
“MGW (Morgan Gibbs-White). Can do what Rogers does, and is reliable these days.”
While United are expected to keep tabs on how Anderson performs in the second leg at Villa Park next week, they will have the chance to watch him up close when they entertain Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, 17 May at Old Trafford.
Forest are currently 16th in the table and five points above 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the race to avoid relegation to the Championship, while third-placed United need just two points from their final four league games to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Analysis: Anderson in fine form ahead of a potentially momentous summer
It remains full steam ahead for Anderson ahead of what could be a huge couple of months in his burgeoning career.
The midfielder is hoping to help Forest avoid relegation from the Premier League and also clinch Europa League glory, in what could be a glorious end to what has been a topsy-turvy season for the Tricky Trees.
Anderson will then be looking to star for England in their quest to win the World Cup in North America this summer, knowing full well that if he were to do so, then a big-money move to either Manchester United or City awaits potentially.
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