What Manchester United Could Do In The January Transfer Window To Fix Their Midfield

David Ornstein has signalled that Old Trafford view Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as a concrete target as they search for a No.6 to anchor Ruben Amorim’s midfield overhaul. The report arrived on 28 November 2025 and carries weight because it comes from one of the most respected voices in transfer reporting. Nottingham Forest have been made aware of United’s interest, which instantly ramps up the stakes around any potential move this winter or next summer. 

Why Anderson Fits United’s No.6 Plan

Elliot Anderson is not a one-dimensional midfielder. He blends pressing intensity with a tidy passing range and the physicality required to compete in the Premier League. Those traits closely match what United want from a No.6 who can shield the defence and start attacks from deep. 

Nottingham Forest signed Anderson from Newcastle in 2024 and promptly made him a key player. His rise at the City Ground makes him an attractive option for clubs seeking youthful energy and Premier League-proven minutes. 

Expect United to view Anderson as someone who could step in quickly rather than a raw project. Manchester United are realistic about prices and competition. Top Premier League clubs have been linked with Anderson in recent weeks, which will push any asking fee upward. Forest are likely to demand a premium for a player who is central to their plans and who is already breaking into the England setup in patches. 

United will have to weigh a potentially hefty transfer cost against the long-term stability a player like Anderson could provide in the pivot. Ornstein’s confirmation that Forest is aware of the interest signals any move would need careful negotiation and perhaps a willingness to pay market rates. 

Alternatives On Radar And What They Mean

Elliot Anderson is not the only name being discussed around Old Trafford. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba remains on the list as a more expensive but highly rated option. 

Baleba brings power and forward drive from midfield and would offer a different profile to Anderson. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has also been mentioned as a realistic alternative who offers ball progression and composure at a lower price point than some of the elite options. 

Ornstein has flagged these names recently, which suggests United is building a shortlist that mixes near-term solutions with long-term upside. Recent chatter around João Gomes was louder than most people expected, but United sources were quick to reject those rumours. Ornstein relayed that there is no truth to reports that United is pursuing the Wolves midfielder at this time, and Wolves themselves downplayed any contact. 

That removes one noisy thread from the market and focuses attention back on the Premier League midfielders United have been monitoring more closely. Expect United to treat Gomes as a background name rather than an active target. 

Antoine Semenyo’s name has surfaced in connection with United as well, but in a different context. Semenyo plays primarily as a forward at Bournemouth and brings direct running and physical presence in the final third. 

United’s interest in Semenyo, if genuine, would likely be tied to attacking reinforcement rather than a midfield pivot. Reports vary on how active United are for Semenyo, but the player’s form has generated genuine interest from several top clubs. Clubs will judge whether to prioritise central midfield or attacking depth depending on the squad plan and injury picture leading into January. 

Timing Price And What To Expect Next

Manchester United face the same practical realities as every big club in a mid-season window. January is often difficult for blockbuster deals because selling clubs rarely want to lose an influential player mid-campaign. 

Nottingham Forest are expected to hold firm on Anderson unless a world-class offer arrives. If United are serious, they will prepare a strategy that could include a summer push when negotiating dynamics typically soften and clubs are more willing to sell for the right price. 

Fans should not expect a bargain raid; clubs with Anderson will call for market fees and probably prefer to keep him for the remainder of the 2025 26 season. A smart United approach would be twofold. In the short term, the club can monitor less expensive options that can be acquired in January and make a summer move for the primary target. 

Long-term, the recruitment team must prioritise fit with Ruben Amorim’s tactics. Whoever arrives must be comfortable with defensive responsibilities as well as switching possession quickly to the front line. Expect United to continue tracking Anderson while also keeping tabs on Baleba and Wharton as contingency options. 

Final Verdict

The Ornstein update is a credible indicator that Manchester United are working seriously behind the scenes to improve the midfield. Elliot Anderson now stands as a clear target, and his profile matches United’s stated needs. Fans should temper expectations for a January arrival, but can be optimistic that the club is identifying genuine solutions rather than throwing around names. 

Transfer windows are noisy and changeable. The coming weeks and months will reveal whether United converts interest into an offer that Forest will consider. For now, the club’s interest has been made public, and that alone shifts the narrative heading into the mid-season market.