Manchester United board encouraged to complete £80M signing before world cup starts

Former Premier League midfielder Gareth Barry has publicly urged Manchester United to move quickly in pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, saying the Old Trafford club should aim to complete a summer transfer before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Barry’s comments come amid growing speculation that Manchester United view the 23‑year‑old as a key piece in their midfield rebuild following the confirmed departure of veteran Casemiro at the end of the season.

Anderson has emerged as one of the most highly‑rated young English midfielders this season, establishing himself as a regular starter for Forest and attracting interest from several top Premier League clubs, including both Manchester United and cross‑city rivals Manchester City.

With Forest understood to value the midfielder at around £100 million, there is a sense among pundits and commentators that his valuation could climb even higher if he shines on the global stage this summer — a scenario Barry warned United to avoid by acting swiftly.

In a recent interview, Barry highlighted Anderson’s strengths — particularly his off‑the‑ball work, pressing ability and capacity to contribute in transition — and suggested that getting a deal over the line early would benefit all parties, especially the player: ‘Manchester United are certainly going to be looking for a Casemiro replacement,’ Barry, who has made the second-most appearances in Premier League history, told BoyleSports.

‘Elliot Anderson is probably a slightly different player and a very different age, his skillset is a lot different. But I do like Anderson. ‘If you’re a Man Utd scout, you’ll mention him. He’s one of the best off-the-ball players. He presses to limit the attacking player’s space. He’s one of the best around, and he’s capable of going the other way as well.

‘That’s why Thomas Tuchel’s got him in his starting eleven over a lot of big-name players with England, and he’s a possible starter for the World Cup team.

‘So I’m sure he’s being discussed in the Old Trafford boardroom, as well as maybe other teams. ‘I think, from that sort of experience for a player and a club, if the deal is going to happen, try to get it done as soon as possible.

‘I think it just helps everyone. It helps both clubs and helps the player, especially going into a big tournament.

‘He doesn’t want to be thinking about his club future while trying to win the World Cup for England. It’s not going to help anyone. Also, the price tag could be a bit steeper if he has a good tournament.

‘If something like that is going to happen and the player’s got his head around the fact that it’s time for a move, it’s certainly better to be done before the tournament than after.’

Manchester United’s midfield overhaul is widely seen as a priority this summer, with Casemiro’s exit leaving a significant gap and other targets — from Sandro Tonali to Adam Wharton — also linked to Old Trafford. However, Anderson’s blend of defensive grit and forward thrust has made him a standout candidate in the eyes of several pundits, including Barry

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