Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes his former club should have entered the race to sign Elliot Anderson — and matched the £116 million fee Manchester City paid to land the midfielder.
Speaking to Hajper, Robson acknowledged that City likely overpaid for Anderson but argued that securing elite domestic talent at any price is exactly the kind of bold statement United need to make right now.
"Did City pay too much for Anderson? You've got to pay what you've got to pay in today's game. I think all of us think he's well overpriced but people are paying that sort of money all around the world for players like Anderson so if you want the best players, you've got to pay what the selling club are asking for."
Robson went on to explain why the move would have made sense for United, pointing to a summer of transition at Old Trafford, where the club expect to offload several players, reduce the wage bill, and benefit from a return to UEFA Champions League prize money.
"I would love to have seen Anderson come to United because we are looking as if we're going to let a lot of players go this summer. The wage bill's going to go down. They're going to get a bit of money in. Plus they've got the Champions League money again. But I think Anderson will be a great player for City."
United's track record of missing the mark
The former United captain was pointed in his criticism of the club's recent transfer strategy, suggesting that repeated mid-range signings have failed to deliver the quality the squad requires.
"When the top elite players become available now and again you've got to take the risk and go for those players. United have tried paying £60M, £80M for players who aren't quite among that top elite and it hasn't really worked for them."
Anderson's move to Manchester City followed a standout season and a series of strong performances for the England national team — a combination that drove his valuation to the nine-figure mark. Robson's view is clear: if United want to compete with their rivals, they cannot afford to blink when elite players become available.
