Though final night time was tarnished by the eventual defeat at St. James’ Park, Manchester United can have been maintaining tabs on the truth that Manchester Metropolis dropped factors.
Primarily as a result of one in every of INEOS’ precedence switch targets, Elliot Anderson, was to thank for the Blues being held to a 2-2 draw when internet hosting Nottingham Forest on the Etihad.
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Anderson pivotal in Forest’s Etihad draw
Forest discovered a response for each of Metropolis’s targets, which got here courtesy of Antoine Semenyo and Rodri, and equalised twice earlier than claiming an important level of their battle for security.
Anderson netted the ultimate aim of the encounter – and in completely great style.
The midfielder performed a fast one-two with Callum Hudson-Odoi earlier than releasing a strike exterior the realm that was unsavable for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Elliot Anderson finds the web from vary to tug Nottingham Forest degree as soon as once more in opposition to Manchester Metropolis 🎯@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Wp5o9RJKB8
— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) March 4, 2026
Reacting to the stellar end on X/Twitter, MailSport journalist Nathan Salt mentioned: “Elliot Anderson is an absolute diamond and crucially a participant who strikes the needle.
“Been United’s prime goal for months. Need to discover a solution to get it performed.”
In fact, it goes with out saying that getting it performed is way simpler mentioned than performed, however step one to any potential coup will almost definitely be securing Champions League soccer for 2026/2027.
Why Anderson can be an ideal match at Previous Trafford

If Anderson does resolve to half methods with Forest after solely two years, he’ll wish to take the subsequent step by plying his commerce in Europe’s most elite competitors, so United will probably be in good standing if they will get that ticked off within the coming weeks.
The 23-year-old will even be looking for assurances over sport time, having grown accustomed to being a mainstay on the Metropolis Floor following his £35 million transfer from Newcastle United in 2024.
With Casemiro confirmed to be leaving when his contract expires in June, it paves the best way for a younger and confirmed midfielder to determine themself as his successor.
Membership
Appearances
Begins
Minutes performed
Forest
66
62
5,340
Newcastle
44
13
1,425
Anderson can be partnering Kobbie Mainoo in M16 for the foreseeable future if he opted for a Crimson Devils swap, and such a pairing may nicely develop into influential for England at this summer season’s World Cup and past.
Elliot Anderson leads all Premier League gamers for possession (232) and duels received (223) this season.
Ought to he be Casemiro’s alternative? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/GOnbN2DjM1
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 27, 2026






























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