Rooney left “gutted” by failed Elliot Anderson move but issues warning | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has admitted being “gutted” by the club missing out on Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, before he issued a stark warning.

Anderson snub

Heading into the summer window, United made it clear that bolstering the attacking department was their primary objective. The club identified Anderson as their priority target.

Despite Nottingham Forest fighting to stay up for most of the season, Anderson did well and caught the eye with his brilliant performances in the middle of the park. He showcased his versatility as a tireless midfielder, contributing effectively to both ball retention and defensive recovery.

But Forest’s valuation and stiff competition from City emerged as the two biggest hindrances for United in their efforts to get a deal over the line. Forest made it clear that they wanted a British record fee to sanction the midfielder’s sale. It was also consistently mentioned that he wants to join City.

Last week, it was revealed that City and Forest finally reached an agreement, dealing a knockout blow to whatever hopes United may have harboured of luring Anderson to Old Trafford.

City will pay Forest a fixed fee of £116m with no add-ons. He is also set to earn £300k per week at the Etihad. These are simply figures that United could not match.

While Rooney is disappointed that United did not land Anderson, he has warned that there are no guarantees that he will succeed at City.

Rooney’s verdict

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, United’s record goalscorer said of Anderson, “He’s a fantastic player.”

“I’m gutted Manchester United didn’t get him.”

He added, “But we’ve seen it when players go for big-money moves – like Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish to some extent – they [sometimes] don’t fit in.”

United also recently bowed out of the race for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, leaving Tottenham Hotspur with a clear run at him. Tottenham are set to fork out a guaranteed £85m for the Portugal international.

Other midfielders on United’s radar include Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Featured image Jack Thomas via Getty Images

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