Man Utd to move fast for £100m transfer in Mbeumo and Cunha repeat | Football | Sport
The Brazilian confirmed earlier this year that 2025/26 will be his final season with the Red Devils, as he seeks the next chapter of his career away from Old Trafford. Consequently, the board are believed to be prioritising the acquisition of a replacement for the defensive stalwart above all else. Alongside the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, Anderson has been strongly connected with a move to United once clubs are permitted to conduct business again.
However, the Red Devils are not the only club believed to be monitoring the 23-year-old. Fierce rivals Manchester City are equally keen on landing Anderson’s signature, with the likes of Bernardo Silva and Rodri entering the latter stages of their respective careers.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in the talented midfielder. United would be prudent to make an early approach for Anderson, given that the midfielder’s value could surge dramatically should he impress at the forthcoming World Cup in North America.
The Tricky Trees star is widely anticipated to feature prominently in Thomas Tuchel’s tournament plans, which could partly inflate Forest’s valuation. Contracted at the City Ground until 2029, the club are in no hurry to offload one of their most prized assets, particularly should they secure their Premier League status come May.
Currently, Forest occupy 16th in the table with seven matches remaining, just three points above the relegation zone. Should they retain their top-flight position for 2026/27, the Midlands club could effectively dictate their own asking price for Anderson.
As a result, the club seemingly secured both players considerably cheaper than they would have done by delaying until deadline day to conduct their business, given that interest would have mounted from additional clubs and fees would have been driven ever higher the longer it was left. Valued at £100m at the time of writing, a deal for Anderson will not come cheap.
The Englishman has been an integral part of Forest’s campaign, featuring in each of the club’s 31 Premier League matches this season. It comes as United face a hectic April and May should they wish to legitimately earn their passage back to the Champions League for the upcoming season.
At the time of writing, the Red Devils are third in the Premier League table heading into their final seven matches. Next up is a league encounter with Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday, April 13, when Premier League action resumes following a brief international and FA Cup break.
