Elliot Anderson's reaction after fan shouts 'United next season' outside Old Trafford is going viral

A fan outside Old Trafford made a direct transfer plea to Elliot Anderson following Sunday's clash between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest – and his subtle reaction is going viral.

Anderson, who is expected to leave Forest in the summer, was arguably the best player on the pitch on Sunday, despite his side falling to a 3-2 defeat.

As well as winning more duels than anyone on the pitch, the 23-year-old completed more final third entries than anyone else and notched two second-half assists to keep Vítor Pereira's side in the contest.

It was another superb individual display from Anderson, who has won possession more times than any other player in Europe's top five leagues this season.

As it stands, Manchester City appear to be leading the race to sign the £100 million-rated England international but United continue to be linked with a move as they look to replace the departing Casemiro.

Amid the ongoing speculation, Anderson was met with a plea to join United as he was leaving Old Trafford on Sunday, and his decision to smile at the "United next season" request has got fans talking.

One fan replied to the clip, saying: "We got a smile people. I repeat we got a smile," and another commented: "That is a smile of someone who isn't interested in joining."

A third wrote: "He grew up a Newcastle fan so I know he hates us," while a fourth added: "Smiling cause he’s going City."

🚨🚨🎥 A Manchester United fan says “United next season” to Elliot Anderson and he smiles. #MUFC [alex_the_kid_official IG via @ue_shm] pic.twitter.com/E5fYGKzHs2

— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) May 17, 2026

Elliot Anderson is exactly what Manchester United need going forward

Many have backed United to make a move for Anderson, including former defender Gary Neville, who believes he would be the "outstanding" midfield candidate to replace Casemiro.

"Manchester United need to look at players that are either very young and have a hunger to grow or Premier League-ready players and Elliot Anderson is that," Neville said on the most recent episode of the Gary Neville Podcast.

"What I like about Anderson is the fact that he looks forward and he contributes. The two crosses for the goals, were exceptional."

Neville continued: "I see too many crabs playing central midfield. You can't have too many people who play five-yard passes back and sideways. You need to put players in there who are going to look forward and punch passes through the lines and have their head up.

"Elliot Anderson can do that. He can take set-pieces. So for me, he would be an outstanding candidate to come here. But if you believe what you hear, Manchester City also want him, so if it's a straight fight between the two Manchester clubs, it'll be interesting to see who he chooses."