Elliot Anderson has denied that he was ever near to joining Manchester United despite suggestions that several Red Devils players attempted to convince him while he was away on break.
The 23-year-old became Britain’s costliest player when his £116million switch to City from Nottingham Forest was revealed in June during the World Cup, before Chelsea eclipsed that figure last month with their £117million purchase of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
United were reported to have prioritised Anderson as their main transfer objective at the conclusion of the previous campaign, yet ultimately withdrew from the race for his signature.
Anderson was presented to supporters at the Etihad Stadium club store on Wednesday alongside recent arrivals Geronimo Rulli, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
When asked about speaking with various United players during his vacation, Anderson explained that he was playing golf in Portugal and ran into a few of them, had a pleasant conversation and things of that nature, but he had a decision to make and opted for City.
When asked whether United came close to convincing him to move to Old Trafford, Anderson said no.
The ex-Newcastle midfielder featured in every one of England’s World Cup matches until, following their defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals, he came off the bench for the third-place play-off victory over France.
He is expected to make his first appearance for City wearing the number five jersey in Sunday’s Community Shield against Arsenal at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
He mentioned having a few number options available and noted that John Stones was the previous number five, that Stones was extremely helpful during the summer, and that he felt it would be a fitting tribute to take that number.
Anderson also maintained he does not feel burdened by his enormous transfer fee, saying he is feeling at ease.
He wants to demonstrate to everyone what he is capable of and try not to concentrate on it too much, but he is confident that throughout the season he can show people his best qualities.
The past year has been a remarkable journey for Anderson since receiving his first England cap from Thomas Tuchel against Andorra in 2025 and becoming central to the German’s World Cup strategy.
He said it has been somewhat different, but he is savouring every moment, taking everything in his stride, feeling self-assured, and that he is pleased to be here and simply looking ahead to the new season.
Anderson may be prevented from fulfilling his desire to partner World Cup champion Rodri, with the Spanish midfielder rumoured to be headed for Barcelona.
He said Rodri is among the finest midfielders globally so he believes anyone would want to play alongside him, that he is not entirely certain what is transpiring and is not inserting himself into that situation, but that it would be pleasant.