---
title: "Anderson’s first City interview comes with a dig at United"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/07/24/elliot-anderson-man-city-kings-of-manchester/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-07-24T12:09:12Z"
modified: "2026-07-24T12:09:13Z"
---

# Anderson’s first City interview comes with a dig at United

**Elliot Anderson didn’t waste any time. In his first [City](https://readmancity.com/) interview since completing a club-record £116m move from Nottingham Forest, the midfielder called City the “kings of Manchester” — a line aimed squarely at their neighbours.**

Speaking to City’s own channels, [relayed by Fabrizio Romano](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2080336083582177361), Anderson explained why he chose the Etihad over Old Trafford, who had pursued him earlier in the window before dropping out. City, he said, are winners and relentless. Over a decade of dominance was why he wanted in.

There’s substance behind it. Anderson made 55 appearances coming through Newcastle’s academy before a £35m move to Forest two years ago, where he established himself as a Premier League regular and forced his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for their run to the World Cup semi-finals.

He’s signed a five-year deal at City, with the option of a sixth.

He’ll find out how it feels soon enough. The first Manchester derby of the season is at Old Trafford on 13 September. He also named Kevin De Bruyne as a long-time inspiration, which softened the needle slightly.

Whether United fans let him forget “kings of Manchester” if things go wrong is another matter.