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. bruce thomas says:

    We’ve had too much “make do and mend” in the past few seasons.

    Not only Anderson, but several other players have failed to step up to the plate.

    We need two quality signings in midfield NOW.

  2. John Tring says:

    Yes, Ando is good but we need better ones.

  3. karlomu says:

    he has potenial aswell as cleverly which makes me wonder are we gonna sign a creative midfielder this summer.i for one feel we need one but when ever you seem to think you know whats best fregie surprises you so i wouldn,t be surprised if we don,t land nasri,modric or sneijder and faith is put in these young players .

  4. Chris Mufc says:

    Fergie will have a back up plan of the big deals fall through some genius and the word is it’s Marin Martin who is actually shit hot Anderson can shine this year now the Ginger ninja has retired players stepped up when Ronaldo left and the same will happen now looking forward to brown oshea and Gibson leaving cause there good lads but no where near red devil quality its time for the new wave hope shitty city and chelsea rats are ready for this united UNITED !!!!!!!!!

  5. bling says:

    With more responsibility Anderson might actually step up his game,some times last season he look good i thing he even score 4or5 goals,so lets hope he can step up this season and do a better job for the team.

  6. Rossini says:

    Everyone will be rating about Ando again next season……on his day he is world class…..a good pre season & he’ll be bang on form
    & ready to shut up the bitter half of united support

  7. Ayoola alawusa says:

    I think he’s a prospective talent but he’s inconsistency has been the problem… But if fergie chooses to rely on him to solve the problem of our creative midfield then i’m with him… But i’ll like to have a top midfielder our ranks just in case…

  8. PIP says:

    Sad to say , but on the evidence so far he needs to improve, QUICKLY.

  9. Chudi says:

    In Anderson’s defence he has never had a pre season with us. It’s a blessing that he wasn’t selected for the Copa America, so now this season we get to make a full and proper judgement on him. My money is on him doing a job.

  10. toshe says:

    i have the feeling he is always upset when he plays,he needs more mental strenght