Elliot Anderson Drops Truth Bomb: United's Golf-Course Pitch Was Never Going to Work

Elliot Anderson is not here to make friends with Manchester United. In fact, the record-breaking Manchester City star just delivered a ruthless “nah” to the idea that a holiday golf session with Red Devils players could ever have convinced him to go to Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old sensation became the most expensive British player in history when City splashed £116m ($156m) to land him from Nottingham Forest during the World Cup. And despite United reportedly making him their primary target before pulling out, Anderson says there was never any real drama.

United's Holiday Pitch Failed

“I was just golfing in Portugal and bumped into a few and had a nice chat and stuff like that, but I had a decision to make and I chose City,” Anderson said. Asked if United came close to persuading him? Straight up: “No.”

It wasn't even close. The former Newcastle midfielder was unveiled at the Etihad Stadium club store on Wednesday alongside new signings Gerónimo Rulli, Marc Guéhi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma—making it clear where his future lies.

World Cup Warrior, City's New Number 5

Anderson started all of England's World Cup games until the semifinal loss to Argentina, then came off the bench in the third-place playoff win against France. Now he's set to make his City debut wearing the number five shirt in Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal in Cardiff.

Why the number five? “I had a few numbers to choose from and obviously Stonesy (John Stones) was the last number five and he was really good with me in the summer. I thought it would be a great touch to take that.”

And about that monstrous price tag? No weight on his shoulders. “I'm feeling comfortable. I want to show everyone what I can do and try not to focus on it too much. But I'm sure over the season I can show people what I do best.”

Rodri Dream & Rulli Arrival

Anderson is also dreaming of linking up with World Cup winner Rodri, even as the Spain star is linked to Barcelona. “He's one of the best midfielders in the world, so I think anyone would love to play alongside Rodri,” Anderson said. “I'm not too sure what's happening, but it would be nice, yes.”

Meanwhile, City solidified their goalkeeping depth earlier Wednesday, announcing the £1.7m signing of 34-year-old Argentine keeper Gerónimo Rulli from Marseille on a two-year deal. He's set to serve as backup to Donnarumma—another piece in City's relentless title-chasing machine.