Reports reveal Amrabat and Anderson chatting in the tunnel, with a desire to join Manchester United next summer! The £90 million winter transfer bid is unlikely.

Following Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest, Ruben Amrabat was spotted exchanging smiles with Elliott Anderson in the players’ tunnel. The same situation happened last season after the Red Devils faced Wolves, at which time Cunha was already wearing the team’s number 10 shirt.

The 22-year-old Anderson is also reported to be willing to join Manchester United; he is eager to find a club that can fulfill his career ambitions and hinted he would embrace a new challenge if the right opportunity arises. The Red Devils hope to complete the deal for £60-70 million, but Nottingham Forest demands an astronomical £100-120 million.

Longtime Manchester United correspondent Andy Mitten stated that Anderson is very likely to join next summer, as he currently fits the club’s requirements best. Mitten said: “Elliott Anderson is presently the player who suits Manchester United the most. I choose my words carefully, but after analyzing the current squad, there is no doubt the midfield will undergo changes in the coming years.”

However, one thing is certain: Nottingham Forest will not sell Anderson in the January transfer window unless a buyer meets their £100 million-plus valuation. Therefore, Anderson is unlikely to be a target in January, despite ongoing rumors in the English media.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: “Amrabat has openly and privately expressed his intention to strengthen Manchester United’s squad in the January transfer window. Privately, Amrabat has already engaged in discussions with the club’s board. Overall, Amrabat and the board are talking about January transfers, considering various opportunities, including players within the squad seeking more playing time, especially Colby Meno and Joshua Zirkzee.”

Former Manchester United chief scout Mike Brown stated that although Anderson’s performance in the Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest game won’t fundamentally change the club’s plans, his strong showing will naturally leave a deeper impression.

“Anderson’s performance was impressive once again,” Brown told Football Insider. “I believe his display against Manchester United won’t have a huge impact because, regardless, United are very eager to acquire him. But a strong performance certainly doesn’t hurt and somewhat demonstrates what he could achieve if he joined the midfield.”

Brown revealed: “Manchester United believes he is exactly the type of player they need — energetic, constantly moving around the pitch, willing to contest possession, and once winning the ball back, capable of organizing attacks well. We have seen his performances for Nottingham Forest and the England national team. He has played well in many matches this season, not just against United. The club has noticed this and made him their top target. He fits United’s needs perfectly, but whether they act now depends on them. He definitely earned significant credit for himself in that game.”

Anderson is not a purely defensive midfielder; he is a number 8, a traditional English central midfielder type. This aligns perfectly with Amrabat’s requirements for the 3-4-3 midfield, as the 40-year-old Portuguese coach wants the two midfielders in that role to be energetic and balanced in attack and defense.

Among the three Premier League midfielders Manchester United is interested in — Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Walton — only Baleba might be available in the winter window, as his performance this season has been disappointing, making him dispensable at Brighton. This week rumors surfaced that United contacted Brighton again, planning a £90 million winter bid for Baleba, which is obviously fabricated.

Brown pointed out that in last month’s 4-2 win over Brighton, Baleba failed to impress potential new suitors and instead caused concern. Signing an out-of-form player mid-season makes little sense for United. Moreover, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is unlikely to spend £90 million during the winter window.