Ryan Giggs has recalled trying to influence Elliot Anderson's choice of club during a round of golf before the 2026 World Cup. According to VnExpress's account of Rio Ferdinand's programme, the former Manchester United player wanted the midfielder to turn down Manchester City.
The conversation was a personal attempt by Giggs, rather than a negotiation between clubs. In his telling, Anderson eventually asked to concentrate on the golf after the transfer subject had been raised repeatedly.
Anderson joined City in June. VnExpress reported that United had shown interest in the midfielder but faced budget constraints in the competition for his signature, before pursuing other midfield options. By the time Giggs revisited the conversation publicly, the move had already been completed.
The anecdote emerged as Anderson prepared for his first Manchester derby. It offers an off-field perspective from a player closely associated with United, while underlining the limits of that informal appeal. Anderson's club decision was made at the start of the summer, and the next stage of the rivalry would take place on the pitch.