JAW-DROPPING throwback footage has resurfaced online showing a teenage Elliot Anderson scoring sublime solo goals and running rings around Manchester United’s youth side.
The incredible clips captured his talent long before his to .
— ' (@ZerschlagenRaum) February 5, 2026
Manchester City have agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson Credit: PA
The dazzling clips have emerged in the wake of Manchester City agreeing a British-record fee with for the midfielder.
Watching them now, the videos make it abundantly clear that Anderson’s generational talent was impossible to ignore from an early age.
One particularly stunning clip captures a 16-year-old Anderson playing for ‘s Under-18s against during the 2018/19 campaign.
With the Magpies trailing 3-0, the youngster picked up the ball in the attacking half and decided to take matters into his own hands.
Anderson burst through midfield, skipped effortlessly beyond a defender, and coolly rounded the goalkeeper.
Two desperate United defenders launched themselves into sliding challenges on the goal line, but neither could stop his composed finish from nestling into the bottom corner.
Another eye-catching clip from the following season shows the midfielder gliding past two markers before unleashing a pinpoint strike that kissed the inside of the post on its way in.
Anderson is currently on England duty at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Credit: Getty
Remarkably, those goals were scored against a Manchester United side featuring .
The pair would later become team-mates at Nottingham Forest, before Elanga eventually sealed his own move to Newcastle.
Manchester United had also been heavily linked with a move for Anderson, but the midfielder ultimately chose to join their bitter rivals, City.
It is a testament to his meteoric rise since graduating from Newcastle’s academy and moving to Forest in 2024.
Anderson is currently away with on international duty at the , where he has started the Three Lions’ opening two matches and is fully expected to retain his place for the final group stage clash against .
While both Elanga and Anderson clearly had bright futures ahead of them, it is the new City recruit who now finds himself on the verge of history.
The £116m package agreed between City and Forest will smash the reigning champions’ transfer record and make the England international the most expensive British player of all time.
And judging by these incredible academy clips, the warning signs for Premier League defenders were there all along.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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