Date: 18th June 2011 at 4:27pm
Written by:

With all the talk of Modric and Sneijder, some United fans, myself included, have almost forgotten about our samba star, Anderson.

Anderson has had his fair share of criticism since his arrival four years ago and I can honestly say I have staunchly defended him against all naysayers, but it is increasingly becoming a case of now-or-never for the boy from Brazil.

Most fans are frustrated at Anderson’s patchy form. He looks like a world-beater one week, only to be almost completely anonymous the next. He also seems to be carrying an extra pound or two since a serious injury last season, meaning he regularly fades out of games from 70 minutes onwards.

Let’s not forget though that Anderson is only just 23 and has been quite unfortunate with injuries, including that serious knee-injury which sidelined him for 7 months last year. Also he has just had his best season in a United shirt. His performances have been steadier, with very good games against Blackburn and Schalke sticking out. Anderson also seems to be a very popular member of the squad, always cracking a joke with one of the players, or even Sir Alex.

As I said I have always been a big fan of Anderson. His vision and passing ability, combined with his energy levels and ability to run with the ball make him a very exciting player. But the time for flashy cameos is over and even I have to admit that Anderson needs to make central midfield his own next season.

When he and Nani arrived from Portugal in 2007, it was Anderson who was the surprising signing of the two. He was billed as a future replacement for when Paul Scholes retired. Well that time has come and I for one believe Anderson can still be the man to step up to the plate.

And if you’re still in doubt, think back a year and you were probably reading an article just like this one on Nani…

 

14 responses to “Time for forgotten man to step up to the plate”

  1. Tom says:

    Ando is a good player, but he doesn’t work hard enough at him game. He doesn’t strike me as someone who stays behind in training and keeps working, like Hernandez. He hasn’t shown enough for us to go into next season and rely heavily on him. I still think he can be a big player for our squad, especially if he works harder, but we need another midfielder.

  2. lawl says:

    Cleverly, Pogba, Morrisson, Tunnicliffe. Wouldnt wanna rob any of those boys of the chance. And i think Ando will step up this year.

  3. james holden says:

    I hope and pray that we don’t sign a creative midfielder this summer, I don’t mind personally taking a chance on these young boys and giving them the chance to shine. I believe Anderson will step up, for one he’s never played his natural attacking midfielder role, he’s always had to alter his game. Give him the freedom with rooney to create. Also let pogba, tunnicliffe, Morrison come through, id rather let these guys have there chance them buy a title, its always so much sweeter.

  4. Yosh says:

    You are one brave man Mr. Daniel Cross and I could not agree with you any more than I already do. Anderson needs whatever Nani found last season. I don’t want to jinx it but it felt like he did (find Nani’s secret) during that latter stages of the season notable factor being the obvious, goals. His build up play seemed to finally have a end product. As United fans we should expect no less.