Anderson Declares Commitment to Manchester City Amid United Rumors
Anderson has drawn a firm line under the rumours. According to the midfielder, he was never close to joining Manchester United – even if a cluster of Old Trafford players tried to tempt him across the city while he was on holiday.
Speaking at a fan event at Manchester City’s club store on Wednesday, the England international tackled the long-running narrative that United had once made him their top transfer target before City sealed the deal.
Asked directly about reports that United players had lobbied him during the off-season, Anderson didn’t deny the meetings. He simply underlined where his mind was already made up.
"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," he said.
That choice, he insists, was never really in doubt.
A childhood shaped in sky blue
Anderson has wasted no time declaring his allegiance after his big-money move to the Etihad Stadium. United’s interest was real enough, but his own story pointed in one direction.
"I've seen a few things. It was blown out of proportion," he said of the United links. "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."
For him, this is not just a transfer. It is the culmination of a decade spent watching City reshape English football.
Following in De Bruyne’s footsteps
The move carries another layer of meaning. Anderson is now walking into the dressing room once owned by his footballing idol.
"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."
Kevin De Bruyne’s vision, passing range and movement helped define City’s modern era. Anderson grew up studying all of it. Now he has the chance to help write the next chapter from inside the same building.
Number five and a helping hand from Stones
His first competitive outing is just days away. Anderson is set for his debut in Sunday’s Community Shield against Arsenal at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and he will do it wearing a shirt with history.
The midfielder has chosen the number five jersey, last worn by John Stones – a player who, he says, has been pivotal in helping him settle.
"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," Anderson noted.
A childhood spent watching Aguero, a career shaped by De Bruyne, and now a number passed on with the blessing of Stones. Anderson hasn’t just picked a club. He’s stepped into a lineage he’s been studying for most of his life.
