Give him his flowers Manchester United manager Micheal Carrick praises underrated Nottingham star who came in second half and change the game

*“Give him his flowers” – Michael Carrick praises underrated Nottingham Forest star who changed the game off the bench*

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick made a point of singling out Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson after United’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford, calling the midfielder “underrated” and saying he “changed the game” when he came on in the second half.

*Anderson’s impact off the bench*

Forest trailed 1-0 at half-time after Bruno Fernandes’ penalty, but Carrick’s side were struggling to control the midfield. Nuno Espírito Santo brought Anderson on in the 58th minute, and the momentum shifted immediately.

Anderson’s energy, pressing, and ability to carry the ball through United’s lines gave Forest a foothold. He assisted Morgan Gibbs-White’s 72nd-minute equalizer and forced Casemiro into a yellow card with a driving run that split United’s midfield. Forest then went 2-1 up through Chris Wood before United rallied late to win 3-2.

“He came on and changed the game,” Carrick said post-match. “Give him his flowers. People talk about the big names, but Elliot’s work rate, intelligence, and composure under pressure are top level. He’s a big part of what Forest do.”

*Why Carrick is paying attention*

It wasn’t just a throwaway compliment. United have been tracking Anderson ahead of the summer window, and Carrick admitted he’s a fan.

“He’s done well,” Carrick said earlier this week. “I think he offers so much. You can see he’s an important part of their team. He’s 23, English, and he plays with maturity beyond his years.” 4c61

United’s interest makes sense. Anderson fits the profile Carrick wants in midfield: mobile, press-resistant, and comfortable playing box-to-box. With stiff competition from Manchester City also linked, Carrick used his post-match presser to publicly acknowledge the player’s quality.

*A breakout season for Anderson*

Anderson has been one of Forest’s standout performers this season. After joining from Newcastle in 2024, he’s become Nuno’s go-to midfielder for breaking lines and progressing play. His stats don’t jump off the page, but his influence does.

Against United he completed 91% of his passes, made 4 ball recoveries, and won 3 of 4 duels in 32 minutes. Forest’s xG jumped from 0.4 to 1.6 after his introduction.

Nuno said Anderson’s impact was “exactly what we needed”. “He gives us balance. He can defend, he can attack, and he doesn’t hide when the game gets difficult.”

*Carrick’s United finding form*

United needed the win to keep pressure on Arsenal and Man City in the top three. Carrick praised his own side’s “personality” to come back late, with Benjamin Sesko scoring an 89th-minute winner.

But he was keen to highlight the opposition too. “You can win and still respect the other team’s players. Elliot is one of those. He’s not flashy, but he makes teams better. That’s the kind of player you want.”

*What it means for the summer*

United are expected to revamp midfield with Casemiro’s future uncertain and Christian Eriksen out of contract. Anderson is high on the shortlist, though Forest will fight to keep him. He’s under contract until 2029 and valued at around £60-70m.

Carrick’s public praise won’t hurt United’s chances, but it also reflects genuine admiration. “Some players do the dirty work and nobody talks about it,” Carrick said. “Tonight he deserved the recognition.”

For Forest fans, it was a reminder of what they’ve got. For Anderson, it was a night where even the opposition manager made sure he got his flowers.