Anderson’s Rising Stature Sparks Transfer Battle Between Manchester Giants

Anderson has excelled for Forest this season, garnering interest from the Manchester powerhouses. Chelsea is also reported to be interested in the 23-year-old midfielder, who is poised to be the focal point of a transfer rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City this summer.

Both clubs are looking to overhaul their midfields during the off-season. United is compiling a three-man shortlist to strengthen this crucial area, with Carlos Baleba, who was heavily linked to Old Trafford last year, alongside England’s Adam Wharton and Anderson himself.

Manchester City is also expected to enter the market to enhance their midfield, particularly due to concerns regarding Rodri’s long-term fitness. The Ballon d’Or winner has struggled with a serious ACL injury since City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September 2024, limiting his appearances to just six league starts this season.

While both clubs are keen on acquiring Anderson, a report from the i Paper suggests that Manchester United believes they know where the former Newcastle player will end up by season’s end. “There is a growing belief that Anderson would snub United in favor of a move to rivals Manchester City,” the report indicates. This development poses a significant setback for United, who plan to embark on a major midfield revamp this summer.

Casemiro and Manchester United confirmed on Thursday that the Brazilian midfielder will depart the club when his contract expires at the season’s conclusion. “Casemiro will leave Manchester United this summer, upon the expiry of his contract,” stated a release on United’s official website. “The legendary midfielder has enjoyed four seasons at the club, making 146 appearances and scoring 21 goals.”

In a reflective statement, Casemiro remarked, “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life.” Additionally, doubts linger over the future of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte at Old Trafford, with Fernandes having rebuffed interest from Al-Hilal last summer.

The Saudi Pro League side made a lucrative offer to the United captain, but he opted to remain in Manchester. However, United is eager to engage in discussions with Fernandes ahead of the World Cup to ascertain his intentions moving forward.

Ugarte has also been associated with a possible January exit, with Ajax reportedly interested in securing the Uruguayan on loan for the remainder of the season.

While Casemiro’s departure looms and uncertainties surround the futures of Fernandes and Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo is expected to finalize a new contract with United. The England international’s current deal runs until 2027, with an option for an additional year.

The 20-year-old was linked with a move away from Old Trafford after falling out of favor under former manager Ruben Amorim. However, Amorim’s departure at the beginning of January has provided Mainoo with the opportunity to reintegrate into the first team.

Mainoo made his first league start of the season last weekend as United triumphed over rivals City 2-0 at Old Trafford. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured the victory, although United could have won by a larger margin, having three goals disallowed for offside and hitting the woodwork twice.

While United celebrated their win over City, the Cityzens have had a challenging start to 2026 under Pep Guardiola, with just two victories this calendar year—one being a 10-1 thrashing of lower-league Exeter in the FA Cup.

City faced a surprising 3-1 defeat to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday, leaving Guardiola eager to steer the team back to winning form in their upcoming match against the Premier League’s bottom team, Wolves.