Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest this summer
Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest this summer(Image: PA)
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Ryan Giggs has revealed he tried to convince Elliot Anderson to join Manchester United from Nottingham Forest this summer.
Anderson was a wanted man after a superb 2025/26 season Trentside. Manchester City won the battle for his signature in the end, with the Reds selling the midfielder for a club record £116 million.
But some time before the deal was done, United legend Giggs bumped into Anderson on holiday in Portugal and tried to persuade him a move to Old Trafford would be best. Such was the Welshman’s persistence when the pair met on a golf course, the England international told him to “leave me alone”.
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Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Giggs said: “I went to Portugal for a week. That’s where I saw Elliot Anderson.
“It was literally a few days before he went to the World Cup. I peppered him. He didn’t know how to take it at first, and then he relaxed a little bit.
“For the first four or five holes, we were literally crossing. And at the end of it, he went, ‘Will you just let me, leave me alone. Will you just let me play my golf, please? You’re in trouble!’.”'
Ferdinand added: “You’ve got to try all sorts to get these deals over the line. It’s mad, though. Obviously, the price tag was crazy and it’s just like astronomical money. Man United ain’t got the budget to pay for that. He’s a good player, though.”
Anderson developed into a Forest and England regular during his two years at the City Ground. He was signed from Newcastle United for a net £15m in the summer of 2024 and made huge strides before leaving for the Etihad Stadium.
In a farewell message to the Reds, Anderson said on social media: “Forest family, Firstly I am so grateful for the love and support you have shown me over the last 2 years especially towards the end of this season. From the minute I walked through the door I fell in love with this club.
“I want to thank all the staff and players for welcoming me and making my time here so enjoyable, this club gave me the opportunity to grow as a player and a person.
“Bringing the club European football again after 29 years is what all of you fans deserved and to be a helping hand in that is so special. Nottingham Forest will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for all the unforgettable memories.”
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