Manchester United reportedly told England midfielder Elliot Anderson he could become a future club captain before abandoning plans to sign him, according to a Metro Sport report published on July 3, 2026.
The 23-year-old impressed for Nottingham Forest last season and has started every match for England under Thomas Tuchel at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Manchester City have since completed a £116 million deal for Anderson, making him the most expensive British footballer in history after signing him from Nottingham Forest. United’s interest cooled after negotiations stalled and the club decided it could not meet Forest’s valuation.
During talks, United reportedly identified Anderson as a long-term leadership candidate capable of following former captains Bruno Fernandes, Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Roy Keane, although no guarantee over the captaincy was made.
United had already strengthened midfield by signing Atalanta’s Ederson, but manager Michael Carrick is still seeking another central midfielder. The club has also missed out on Sandro Tonali, who is expected to join Tottenham. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, along with Real Madrid pair Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, remain midfield targets.
Anderson is expected to start England’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico.
