Anderson Dismisses United Links as He Embraces City Commitment

Anderson has drawn a clear blue line through the Manchester divide, insisting he was never close to joining United despite a charm offensive from Old Trafford regulars on holiday.

Speaking at a fan event at City’s club store on Wednesday, the England midfielder finally tackled the long-running rumours that United had made him their top target before City sealed his signature.

The story sounded dramatic: United players bumping into him abroad, lobbying him to cross the city. The reality, he says, was far more straightforward.

"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 explained.

The pressure was there. The answer, in his mind, wasn’t.

“It was blown out of proportion”

Anderson has wasted no time nailing his colours to the Etihad mast after his high-profile move. Links to United never quite went away, but he made it clear his path was shaped long before any contract talks.

"I've seen a few things. It was blown out of proportion," he said. "I was probably eight or nine when [Sergio] Aguero scored that goal. I've been watching City for the past 10 years. You've got a big decision to make – and I’m confident I've made the right one."

That reference to Aguero’s title-winning strike tells its own story. While United circled, the midfielder’s own football upbringing had already tilted him towards the blue half of Manchester.

Following De Bruyne’s trail

For Anderson, this isn’t just a transfer. It’s a move into the orbit of the player who shaped his idea of midfield play.

"De Bruyne was always the player I looked up to over the last 10 years," he revealed. "I loved watching him. To be here at the same club and playing where he played is special."

Those are the standards he now walks into: the spaces De Bruyne used to find, the passes he used to thread, the expectations he left behind.

Number five, with a Stones connection

His new chapter begins in earnest on Sunday, when he is set for his competitive debut in the Community Shield against Arsenal at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. He will do it wearing the number five shirt.

That number carries its own weight at City. It belonged to John Stones, and Anderson admitted the defender’s support over the summer nudged his choice.

"I had a few numbers to choose from and obviously Stonesy was the last number five and he was really good with me in the summer and I thought it would be a great touch to take that," he noted.

City have their new midfielder. He has his number, his inspiration and his side of Manchester. The rest will be decided on the pitch.