Anderson’s United career has been a puzzling one, I remember him coming on against Wigan in the 07/08 season and being excited about the prospect on our hands. The bubbly Brazilian would put in a number of good shifts for United that season including coming up against seasoned Premier League stars getting stuck in and emerging victorious along with United thus earning a song from fans detailing his toilet activities and a certain Arsenal midfielder.
In music there is a term called the ‘sophomore jinx’, regarding an artist’s second effort not living up to their debut album. It appears this isn’t exclusive to music as Anderson suffered with lacklustre performances in his second season at the club. Early in the season he realised he had been slacking and offered to drop down into the reserves to rediscover his form and when he returned he improved but he slide back into his old ways and at the turn of the year there were rumours of him going AWOL.
It was assumed his United career was done but he was given another chance but he came upon more problems and in his return against West Ham he ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his knee and was ruled out for the season.
Many hoped he would use this injury to get fit and get his head straight, reassessing his position at the club and come back fitter and more determined but in July there was news that on the way home from a night out in Portugal, the Brazilian was involved in a car accident and was pulled from the wreckage unconscious before the car went up in flames. Alarm bells immediately went off as many wondered what he was doing out partying when he was meant to be recovering from injury and getting back to fitness? And why were there 3 people in a vehicle that was designed to carry 2?
Thankfully Anderson was unhurt but is it the wake up call he sorely needs?
Anderson told the United website:
“I’m so happy and excited to be back again after six months without football. I’ve been so happy ever since I got back to Carrington and I just can’t wait to play again.
“I’m feeling good. I’ve been training for two weeks and I’m very happy. I think maybe very soon I’ll come back again and start playing normally with the rest of the team.
“I have had no problems at all with the injury. I’m just running and training now really hard.”
It’s great to hear such enthusiasm from the midfielder but after previous false dawns and thoughts he had turned a corner, are his words to be believed? He looked more than a bit chubby in the team photo and although the fact he was injured can be used as excuse as to why he gained weight as he may not have been cleared to run, do gym work etc it doesn’t explain the partying etc
Anderson is a supremely gifted footballer and one would think if he fully applied himself he would be a lot further in his development than he is. Of course at his tender age it is unreasonable to expect him to be having standout matches every game but again he should be able to maintain a reasonable standard.
Anderson has A LOT to prove this season. Despite being well liked by the fans he will have to regain our trust but more importantly the trust of Sir Alex. His words are encouraging, now I hope the enthusiasm is conveyed through strong positive performances when he returns mid September.
Anderson will return better than ever. YHIHF.
Ando of 2007-8 will return, he will run rings around gerrard, lampard and fabregas again like he did that season, those 3 didnt know what hit them and nor will the lge this yr, the brazilian bull is about to be unleashed, be afraid be very very afraid as he’s back and he’s coming to getcha.
Anderson is one hell of a player and I for one hopes he regains the form from his first season that had everyone talking about him (and Nani). Nani regained his form and will only get better and I hope Ando can do the same as he haves th talent and if he can channel it in the right way he will be a massive star for us in the future.
Wow, when you detail his history, he has a longer record of underperforming than he does playing well. That being said, his young age really should explain a lot and he was beginning to improve before his injury. I believe he is truly motivated and is probably tired of his situation from the last two years.
As ManUtd-Believe mentioned, I think seeing Nani rising above virtually identical circumstances will give Anderson belief he can do the same. It also seems that there is a very good atmosphere within the club right now which should boost everyone’s spirit and play.
While I am optimistic, this is probably his last season to prove he can grow.
Here’s hoping he comes and proves a point. Has the ability.
Heard that Possebon has gone back to Brazil – pity because he looked like a talent until getting drilled.
I think he could easily be a star it’s just a case of him pulling his socks up. I worry even if he does he may just slide back into old ways.
Looking at what Nani did to resurrect his MU career, if Anderson could do the same, it would be like a new signing.
Well done Nani… wake up Anderson!
in1voice is spot on. Ando needs that ‘Road to Damascus’ moment that Nani had last year. I’d hate for a player with his ability not to make it in the first team, especially in our current environment where we need all of our midfielders to stand up and be counted. But as you say, his attitude is first rate. I genuinely hope that he takes that out onto the field in every game he plays.
George Michael appears as though he night go down (lol!) because of driving about stoned. Hey, is this a threat or a promise? It’d be like putting most men with a harem! Lol!