Elliot Anderson's derby display shows what Manchester United are missing: "I thought I did quite well"

MANCHESTER — Manchester United wanted to sign Elliot Anderson this summer but Manchester City beat them to it, paying $156 million for the England international. Anderson's man of the match display in midfield in the Manchester Derby on Sunday showed why City paid big to pip United to his signature. Despite having 10 men for over an hour of this game, it never seemed like City were down a man as they won 1-0 . That was usually because Anderson, 23 years old, was winning the ball back and using it extremely well. He led defensive contributions (14) and somehow only Kobbie Mainoo had more touches of the ball (77) than him. Anderson was brave on the ball, took the pressure off when City needed him too and always picked the right pass to help them become a threat on the break. He is never flustered. Relaxed Anderson crucial to City’s derby win After quipping that City are the "Kings of Manchester" when he signed for them in the summer, Anderson was asked about that comment after the game by reporters. "I'm just trying to let my football do the talking, you know. I think we came here and played really well and that's all I can say," " Anderson smiled. Asked by Pro Soccer Talk about what went so well for him in the derby, Anderson explained he was able to play his natural game. "I gave everything for the team, duels and playing through the lines I thought I did quite well in. Just staying calm in possession with the team and helping everyone," Anderson said. What makes Anderson so important? And that is what he does so well. Anderson ranks third in the Premier League in line-breaking passes per 90 minutes (23) and only his teammate Ruben Dias is ahead of him in accurate passes per 90. Anderson is that kind of player who always makes others around him better. He isn't flashy but he's always there. Just like he did for England in their run to third-place in the World Cup this summer, Anderson gives balance and protection to his team. That's something Manchester United have lacked in midfield for many years. It's too early to say that City have found their new Rodri, and he is of course a different type of player, but Anderson has certainly had a fantastic start to life at Man City and has slotted in seamlessly to Enzo Maresca's style of play as they've won four games in a row to start the Premier League season. "There's no doubt we have all the quality. We've shown real mentality in the first four games. Especially in this one, not giving up, fighting for every tackle, every duel and waiting for our chance and obviously Erling [Haaland] scores all of them." Defensive partnership already flourishing in great start Asked about playing ahead of Marc Guehi and Ruben Dias and the solid partnership they have already developed (City have conceded just two goal through five games so far), Anderson detailed how much they've helped him settle in. "They're brilliant for me," Anderson explained. "I can always hear them behind me talking to me. I've got to help them quite a bit in defensive things in picking up the third man and stuff. They are really helping me find my way through these starter games." Asked about how he's made the step up to Man City from Nottingham Forest look easy, Anderson revealed it has been far from it. "It hasn't been easy," Anderson said. "I've been challenged in all the games but I thought I've just done pretty well. I've trained hard to put myself in the best place for the games and it has started ever so well." Anderson is only just getting started and although many baulked at the $156 million Man City paid for him this summer, he's already proving it was money very well spent.