Ryan Giggs personally attempted to convince Elliot Anderson to join Manchester United during a chance encounter in Portugal, shortly before the England midfielder completed a record-breaking £116 million transfer to Manchester City. The revelation comes from former United defender Phil Bardsley, who was present during the informal meeting on a golf course earlier this summer.
Giggs and Bardsley's pitch to Anderson
Bardsley, who played for United between 2003 and 2008, disclosed that he and Giggs bumped into Anderson while on holiday in Portugal. The pair seized the opportunity to make a case for a move to Old Trafford, but Anderson remained undecided at the time. 'He was still unsure what he wanted to do,' Bardsley told Casinolyze.
Despite their efforts, Anderson ultimately chose City, signing a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium last month. The deal briefly made him the most expensive British player in history, surpassing the previous record. United had been in the race but withdrew once Nottingham Forest's valuation exceeded £100 million.
United's alternative midfield signings
After pulling out, United manager Michael Carrick pivoted to other targets, securing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Bardsley praised the Tielemans acquisition, calling it 'a great bit of business' at £35 million. 'Compare that sum to what United have paid for Tielemans and it's a steal,' he said.
Bardsley elaborated on Tielemans' qualities: 'He's a proven Premier League player, he's captain of Belgium, he can deliver and he's won trophies. He won the Europa League with Aston Villa last season. He brings an element of calm and real class on the ball too but he's also not afraid to get stuck into the ugly side of the game.'
Bardsley's doubts over Anderson's price tag
Bardsley expressed reservations about the fee for Anderson, despite acknowledging his talent. 'Listen, he's outstanding. I really like him,' he said. '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.'
He also suggested that City and Tottenham overpaid for their respective midfield signings, Anderson and Sandro Tonali. 'I knew it was getting to a stage with Elliot Anderson 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.'
Anderson's rise and World Cup impact
Anderson, 23, became a pivotal figure for Forest after his £35 million move from Newcastle United, helping the club finish seventh in the Premier League and secure European qualification. His performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup, where he featured in every match as the team reached the semi-finals before a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.
Following his move to City, Anderson expressed his determination to succeed: 'As soon as I knew [City] wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen. You want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity. They're winners, they're relentless, and that's the sort of team I want to be a part of – champions and people who win trophies.'
City's new era under Maresca
Manchester City have dominated English football for over a decade, but they begin a new chapter under former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who replaced the legendary Pep Guardiola at the end of last season. City face Arsenal in the Community Shield next weekend before their Premier League opener at home to Bournemouth.
Anderson's arrival is seen as a statement of intent as City aim to maintain their supremacy under new leadership. The midfielder's versatility and work rate are expected to fit seamlessly into Maresca's system, and his international pedigree adds further depth to an already star-studded squad.
