Manchester United Eye Forest’s English Duo, Salary Cap Rules May Hinder, Man City Ready to Compete

According to UK media, Manchester United are reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest’s English internationals—defensive midfielder Elliott Anderson and attacker Morgan Gibbs-White. However, Manchester City are also monitoring both players, and the new salary structure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe could place United at a disadvantage in the summer transfer window.

Forest remain at risk of relegation, sitting 17th after 27 games, just 2 points above West Ham and 2 points behind Tottenham. Gibbs-White, who attracted a £60 million bid from Spurs last year, stayed after Forest offered a new contract with a weekly wage of around £150,000; Anderson earns over £100,000 per week. Signing either player could disrupt United’s new wage framework, while City remain in contention.

Although UEFA Champions League qualification boosts United’s budget, allowing them to offload high earners—Casemiro (£350k/week) and Sancho (£250k/week) may depart, Rashford (£325k/week) could move permanently to Barcelona, and Maguire’s new deal would lower his salary—the club aims to limit new signings to £150,000 basic weekly wage plus £20,000 performance bonuses, which could constrain negotiations for high-earning Premier League stars.

Meanwhile, Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare has been linked, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed no substantive talks with United; the club remains focused on Anderson. Success in strengthening the midfield will hinge on manager strategy, budget, and Champions League qualification.