Elliot Anderson emerging as Manchester United’s primary midfield target signals a pretty clear shift in the club’s recruitment strategy: younger profiles, high work rate, development upside, and long-term planning rather than expensive “win-now” signings.

But there are a few layers to this:

🧩 Elliot Anderson

• Technically clean, press-resistant, versatile in midfield.
• Still somewhat unproven at the very top level, but high ceiling.
• Forest will demand a huge fee — long contract (2029) + high wages already make it a tough deal.
• United will have to be completely convinced before going big on this one.

🧩 Carlos Baleba

• Dynamic, athletic, more of a ball-winner.
• Already high on United’s list.
• The fact that Anderson + Wharton are being monitored suggests United want multiple profiles, not just a pure defensive midfielder.

🧩 Adam Wharton

• The most polished of the three in terms of control, tempo, and composure.
• If United push for him, Baleba’s chances of being signed may drop — profiles overlap more.

📉 Transfer Difficulty

Forest’s stance is clear:
It would take an enormous offer.
Given FFP/PSR pressures across the league, that definitely complicates things.

🔴 So what’s the smartest move for United?

From a squad-building perspective:

• Wharton = safest pick (high ceiling + high floor).
• Baleba = biggest physical upside but also the least polished.
• Anderson = strong talent but the toughest deal and not necessarily the most urgent profile United lack.

If the goal is to fix midfield immediately, Wharton makes the most instant impact.
If the goal is long-term athletic rebuild, Baleba fits better.
If United want a technical, multi-role project player, Anderson is interesting — but not at Forest’s likely asking price.