Man Utd Line Up Bid for ‘Missing Piece of Puzzle’ Rival Club Was Forced To Sell

Manchester United may move for a midfielder that fans have described as the 'missing piece of the puzzle' following Saturday's draw at Forest.

United's three-game winning run came to an end against Nottingham Forest, as they were held to a 2-2 draw.

Casemiro gave the visitors the lead when he headed home from a controversial corner, before Forest went in front with two goals in three second-half minutes.

United rallied, with Amad smashing home a superb volley nine minutes from time, before he was denied a dramatic late winner by a goal-line clearance from Murillo.

Although Ruben Amorim's side may be disappointed with the dropped points, they remain eighth in the Premier League and just two points behind second-placed Manchester City.

United's improvement this season has been widely credited to a strong summer transfer window, which saw an overhaul of the attack and a new goalkeeper.

Amad scored a late equaliser against Nottingham Forest (Image: Getty)

The next area expected to be addressed is midfield, with the futures of both Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes uncertain beyond next summer.

Casemiro's contract is due to expire, and it appears unlikely United will offer an extension, while rumours surrounding a potential departure for Fernandes have not faded.

One player who has drawn attention following another standout performance is Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

The 22-year-old joined Forest in 2024 for £35 million, leaving his boyhood club, Newcastle United.

The Magpies were reluctant to sell, but needed to raise money to comply with the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability Rules.

Under PSR regulations, clubs are not allowed to lose more than £105 million over a three-year accounting period, and Newcastle had found themselves close to the limit.

Elliot Anderson impressed against Manchester United (Image: Getty)

To avoid a potential points deduction they sold two promising youngsters, Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.

Because Anderson was an academy graduate, his sale counted as 'pure profit' in Newcastle's accounting.

Since his move, Anderson has become a huge success at the City Ground and has forced his way into Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

Following the match against United, The Sun's Manchester United correspondent Samuel Luckhurst said Anderson "exhibited the talent and tenacity of Steven Gerrard against United."

Luckhurst also said that Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is another English midfielder admired by United.

However, both Anderson and Wharton are expected to command huge transfer fees, with their contracts not set to expire until 2029.

With one of them likely to start for England at next summer's World Cup, a strong tournament could push their valuations even higher.