Actions speaks louder than words for United star
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.