Transfer: Man Utd board optimistic of signing Man City target for Carrick after Ederson deal

Manchester United board are ‘optimistic’ of beating Premier League rivals Manchester City to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

The Red Devils’ hierarchy wants to bolster their manager Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of next season and have made Brazil midfielder Ederson their first signing of the summer in a £35m deal with Italian club Atalanta.

But Carrick wants Man United to sign at least one more midfielder as Casemiro has left Old Trafford, and Manuel Ugarte could be sold this summer.

However, according to The Guardian, Man United are optimistic of hijacking Manchester City’s deal for Anderson.

Man City had identified Anderson as their top summer target and are lining up another offer for the England midfielder after seeing their first £80m bid rejected.

The report added that Man United believes Anderson is yet to make the final decision over his future and are confident he can still be persuaded to choose the club over the Cityzens.

Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 after signing a five-year contract with the club.