Manchester United have quietly stepped back from chasing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, sources tell ESPN. United listed the 23‑year‑old among their top summer targets to refresh a midfield that struggled for consistency. Forest’s asking price sits near £85 million, a figure United deem too steep to provoke a war with rivals and in the upcoming transfer window, forcing them to reconsider options.

Manchester City have tabled a bid exceeding £120 million, including performance‑related add‑ons, to lure Anderson to the Etihad. The record‑breaking offer dwarfs United’s £80‑90 million valuation and reflects City’s intent to secure the England midfielder before the window closes. Sources say Anderson prefers a move to City, complicating United’s midfield rebuild and may force them to chase alternative signings in January soon.

United remain active, eyeing at least one more midfielder while negotiations over Marcus Rashford’s €30 million Barcelona option linger. Barcelona must decide by June 15; a negative outcome would send Rashford back to Carrington for preseason. With Manchester City's aggressive spending, United’s withdrawal from the Anderson race sharpens their focus on alternative targets in a market where price tags soar and squad depth matters.