Elliot Anderson's Transfer: Manchester United's Missed Opportunity
Ryan Giggs, Phil Bardsley and a golf course in Portugal. That’s where Manchester United made their last, faint swing at keeping one of England’s brightest midfielders out of Manchester City’s grasp.
It still wasn’t enough.
Elliot Anderson, fresh from a breakout 2026 World Cup with Thomas Tuchel’s England, listened to the pitch from one of United’s greatest players and a former Old Trafford defender. Then he walked straight into the Etihad and into the record books.
Giggs’ personal plea – and United’s breaking point
The scene was set earlier this summer. Bardsley was in Portugal playing golf with Giggs when they spotted Anderson on the course. United had been circling, City were already pushing hard, and here, suddenly, was a chance.
"I was in Portugal earlier in the summer playing golf with Giggs and we saw Anderson on the golf course and had a chat with him to try and persuade him to join United," Bardsley told Casinolyze.
This was not a casual conversation. Giggs, a symbol of United’s glory years, and Bardsley, a product of the club’s academy, tried to sell him on Old Trafford. Tradition, stature, the pull of the shirt – all of it.
Anderson listened. He didn’t commit.
By then, Nottingham Forest’s valuation had already begun to climb into uncomfortable territory. Once the fee headed north of £100m, United’s hierarchy stepped back. The club, now under Michael Carrick’s guidance, decided there was a line they would not cross.
Bardsley understood the decision, even if he admired the player.
"He was still unsure what he wanted to do but north of £100m for a defensive midfielder like him? If I’m spending that money, I want a player who will add 30-40 goals to my team a season. That’s what I’m looking for at that fee. That’s value for money."
United walked away. City didn’t.
City’s statement signing – and a shot across town
Anderson’s move from Nottingham Forest briefly made him the most expensive British player in history, a landmark deal that immediately framed him as the centrepiece of Manchester City’s next era.
He wasted no time turning up the temperature in the city, labelling City the "kings of Manchester" during his first match. For a player United had courted, and for a fanbase already wrestling with their neighbours’ dominance, it was a pointed line.
Yet from Anderson’s perspective, the choice was clear. He had just shone on the biggest stage with England. He wanted the highest level, the sharpest environment, the best chance to keep climbing.
"As soon as I knew City wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen," he said after signing his five-year deal. "You want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity."
"It’s happened quite quickly, but I think I always believed I could get to this point, and this is where I want to be."
Ambition, not sentiment, dictated his route across the city.
Carrick pivots: Santos and Tielemans instead of a £100m gamble
Once United stepped away from the Anderson bidding war, Carrick and the club’s recruitment team had to move fast. They did not chase the price up. They changed targets.
Chelsea’s Andrey Santos arrived. So did Aston Villa captain Youri Tielemans, a player Bardsley believes fits the bill perfectly at £35m.
"Signing Youri Tielemans for £35m is a great bit of business. He is a proven Premier League player, he can deliver and he’s won trophies," Bardsley said.
For a manager trying to rebuild a coherent midfield without the financial shock of a nine-figure outlay on a defensive lynchpin, Tielemans brings experience, creativity and a winning pedigree at a fraction of the price.
Bardsley didn’t hide his scepticism over the market inflation around elite holding midfielders.
"I think Manchester City and Tottenham certainly overpaid for Anderson and Sandro Tonali. I knew it was getting to a stage with Elliot where he’d be £100m plus and I just didn’t feel comfortable about going to that sort of price for him as a player. Listen, he’s outstanding. I really like him."
Admiration, but with a financial red line.
Life after Guardiola: Maresca’s first major piece
For City, the calculation is different. Anderson is not just another signing; he is the first major pillar of the Enzo Maresca era.
With Pep Guardiola gone, the champions are trying to evolve without losing their grip on the Premier League. Maresca, back at the Etihad after his own spell at Chelsea, needs players who can carry the tactical and emotional weight of transition.
Anderson fits that profile. Young, already international-class, hardened by a World Cup, and technically sharp enough to slot into City’s demanding structure. He arrives with glowing reviews from former colleagues and a clear belief that this is his stage.
His fee sends a message. So does his choice of club.
City, already on top, are paying to stay there. United, still chasing, are trying to be smarter and more selective.
Next up for Maresca’s side is Arsenal in the Community Shield, a curtain-raiser that will offer the first real glimpse of how Anderson fits into this new-look City. Then comes the start of their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth.
By then, one question will hang over Manchester: did United show restraint at exactly the wrong time, or has City’s new "king of Manchester" just raised the stakes in a battle they’re already winning?
