Elliot Anderson can’t help but praise ‘top’ Man United star who’s ‘always tough’ to play against

In INEOS’ ideal world, Elliot Anderson would’ve been lining up alongside Kobbie Mainoo for yesterday’s Manchester derby, rather than on the opposing side.

However, the Manchester City star made clear his desire to make the move to the Etihad from early on in the transfer window, eventually signing in a £116 million deal from Nottingham Forest.

Anderson oversees first Manchester derby as City player

At the time, the transfer made Anderson the most expensive British player, until Morgan Rogers’ £117m switch to Chelsea just weeks later saw him take the top spot.

However, such a fee only emphasises the fact that Anderson was an unrealistic target for Manchester United; even if he had expressed an openness to join, there was no way INEOS were shelling out such a fee on just one player when the whole midfield needed rebuilding.

It was still undoubtedly tough for United chiefs to take when the 23-year-old took to the Old Trafford turf wearing sky blue on Sunday afternoon before leaving with all three points in the bag.

How did Mainoo fare yesterday?

During the clash, Anderson was locking horns with his compatriot Mainoo in the middle of the park.

The Carrington graduate ended his 90-minute shift as United’s highest-rated player on Fotmob, earning himself a score of 8.0.

Impressively, Mainoo had the most touches (86), completed the most dribbles (four) and created the most chances (three) throughout the contest.

He also completed 12 line-breaking passes, seven passes into the final third and two accurate long balls, showing he was certainly doing his bit to try and get a result.

Anderson couldn’t help but praise his fellow England international at full-time, as he said (via Manchester Evening News): “It was great. It was a good battle. He’s a top, top player, you know, and it’s always tough playing against Kobbie, but yeah, he’s a real good player and a real nice guy.”