Man United move quickly for huge transfer in hope of Mbeumo and Cunha repeat

The Brazilian announced earlier this year that 2025/26 will be his last season with the Reds, as he looks to the next stage of his career away from Old Trafford. As a result, the board are thought to be considering snapping up a successor to the defensive stalwart as priority number one.

On top of the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, Anderson has been heavily linked with a move to United when clubs are permitted to do business once more. However, the Reds are not the only club who are thought to be tailing the 23-year-old.

Bitter rivals Manchester City are also interested in securing Anderson's services, with the likes of Bernardo Silva and Rodri entering the twilight years of their respective careers. Elsewhere, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have also been linked with the talent.

However, United would be wise to make an early move for Anderson, considering the midfielder's value could skyrocket should he perform at the upcoming World Cup in North America. The Tricky Trees star is largely expected to play a part in Thomas Tuchel's plans at the tournament, which could in-part drive Forest's asking price up.

Under contract at the City Ground until 2029, the club are in no rush to sell one of their most valuable assets, especially should they survive relegation from the Premier League come May. At present, Forest sit 16th in the standings with seven matches remaining, just three points clear of the drop zone.

And should they remain in the English top flight for 2026/27, the midlands outfit could essentially set their own asking price for Anderson. With that price likely fluctuating further should England progress at the World Cup thanks to stellar performances from the midfielder, United would be wise to utilise a tactic seen last summer in acting quickly to secure their targets.

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The club agreed a £62.5million arrangement with Wolves for Matheus Cunha as the transfer window opened last June, as well as a £71m deal with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo the following month - eager not to draw out sagas longer than needed.

As a result, the club seemingly got both players far cheaper than they would have by waiting until deadline day to do business, considering interest would have generated from further clubs and prices would have been driven higher and higher the later it was left.

Valued at £100m at the time of writing, a deal for Anderson will not come cheap. The Englishman has been a key part of Forest's campaign, playing in each of the club's 31 Premier League matches this season.

It comes as United have a busy April and May should they hope to rightfully earn their way back to the Champions League for the new season. At the time of writing, the Reds sit third in the Premier League table headed into their last seven matches.

Up next is a league clash with Leeds United at Old Trafford come Monday, April 13, when Premier League action returns after a brief international and FA Cup break.

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