Man United planning Man City midfield raid after exiting £100M Elliot Anderson battle | OneFootball

Manchester United are planning a raid on neighbours Manchester City for sought-after midfielder David Eze, according to recent reports.

Michael Carrick’s side may have bailed on their pursuit of Elliot Anderson, who is said to be valued at £125 million, but are still one of the most active teams in the summer transfer window so far.

The Red Devils, who have qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the 2026-27 season, have agreed to sign Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson for a fee of £35 million.

But despite an optimistic presence this early in the window, United are placing their interest onto academy prospects after already approaching Crystal Palace for Lucca Benetton, among others. 

Report: Man United eyeing Man City academy star Eze

As a result, United are keeping a close eye on Eze’s future at City and are ready to offer the 16-year-old the opportunity to make the switch from the Etihad to Old Trafford, according to Football Insider. 

The 16-year-old is highly regarded at City while both England and Ireland have been chasing his allegiance due to his technical proficiency, creativity and physical strengths that allow him to operate anywhere in the middle of the pitch.

United scouts are said to have been really impressed by what they have seen at an academy level and could capitalise on potential uncertainty at City to lure him four miles across Manchester. 

Due to his age, Eze will not be eligible to sign a professional contract at City until he turns 17 on March 8 next year; widespread agreements feed the belief that he will certainly get the contract no matter where he ends up playing.

How has Eze fared at the City Football Academy?

Eze is still featuring week-in, week-out at Under-16 level at the City Academy but is preparing to make the step up and continue his ascent next season, where he will be playing for the Under-18s.

Should United prove successful in their bid to sign Eze, the midfielder will join a squad that is bursting with talent. The Red Devils finished second in the Premier League North and were runners-up in the FA Youth Cup Final, where they lost out to the Citizens on both occasions. 

During the FA Youth Cup, City dominated and were rewarded for their efforts with outstanding goals from Floyd Samba and Reigan Heskey to help secure one of the most prestigious titles in youth football. 

After the match, United’s Under-18s manager Darren Fletcher bitterly claimed the match turned into a “Man City competition” after the club rejected the opportunity to play the game at Old Trafford. It was eventually hosted at the Joie Stadium, which is a stone’s throw away from the Etihad Stadium.