Manchester United transfer news now centres on a Football Insider report that Nottingham Forest have little reason to sell Morgan Gibbs-White after Elliot Anderson’s £116million move to Manchester City. Published on September 19, it says Forest now feel financially secure and want to keep their midfielder despite interest from Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Football Insider states that Gibbs-White remains central to Oliver Glasner’s plans, while his contract runs until 2028. It adds that United had already shortlisted the 26-year-old amid uncertainty around Bruno Fernandes’ future. Forest therefore hold a strong position, rather than needing to raise funds through a sale.
Gibbs-White has started the new campaign strongly, while his previous season brought 18 goals across 53 appearances in all competitions. He has become Forest’s creative outlet, and his importance was clear again during the early weeks of September. Football Insider says Forest have “no real need to sell any players” after Anderson’s departure.
Manchester United transfer news: Should United pursue Morgan Gibbs-White?
United’s interest makes sense on technical grounds, but the timing matters. Michael Carrick’s side have taken four points from four Premier League matches and then surrendered a 2-0 lead against Brighton before losing 3-2 in the Carabao Cup. Those results exposed defensive and midfield problems that another advanced creator would not automatically fix.
Gibbs-White can carry the ball, create chances and work hard without possession. He can drop into midfield, attack half-spaces and produce passes that break lines. However, his strongest work comes higher up the pitch. He does not offer the screening role United need if Baleba declines and Manuel Ugarte struggles to control the centre.
There is another issue. Bruno Fernandes already occupies the main attacking midfield position and remains central to United’s build-up and chance creation. Adding Gibbs-White could give Carrick more attacking variety, yet it could squeeze two similar profiles into the same areas and leave midfield exposed.
That matters because United have already spent heavily on midfield options. Carlos Baleba has arrived, while the club still need defensive security. Spending a huge fee on Gibbs-White would therefore address creativity before fixing problems that have repeatedly appeared without the ball.
For Forest, the Anderson sale changes the equation. They can keep Gibbs-White because they have already collected £116m from City, while his contract protects their position. Manchester United may admire him, but the links suggest Forest have little reason to make negotiations easy.
