Manchester United’s Brazilian midfielder Anderson has been out of action with a knee injury since United scraped a 1-0 victory against Crawley in the FA Cup. The 22-year-old made a return to action for United’s reserve team game against Manchester City last Thursday and scored two goals – ensuring a 3-1 victory for the Red Devil’s. He also played 76 minutes in United’s first-team game against Fulham yesterday, helping his side on the way to a 2-0 victory and three points.
So far, not a bad return for the attacking-minded midfielder.
What struck me as most impressive about his performance was his energy. He’s a tireless performer, always looks for the ball and always looks to break forward and create problems. United are coming to a pivotal point in their season. Should they keep performing the Premier League is theirs once more. Should they slip-up or take their foot of the gas, Arsenal may well take advantage and pip United to the post.
My hope is that we see Anderson stay fit and get a run of games in this side. As United try to avoid slipping, they will need to ensure they utilise all energy available. Anderson will be relatively fresh, up for the battle and he’s a good enough player to really leave a mark in the Premier League.
A lot has been said about the state of United’s midfield by me and others. Most of it has been hyper-critical. Michael Carrick doesn’t pass forward, Anderson always loses the ball and Fletcher is essentially a glorified utility player. But it strikes me that if Anderson keeps developing and improving at this rate and United bring in an established central –midfielder this summer (Modric? Sneijder? We can dream) then teams will have a tough time dominating this midfield.
The criticism levelled at Anderson strikes me as a little unfair. He’s only 22 and yet it’s clear that of all the central-midfielders playing in the first-team, he is the most naturally talented. That he has the most ability. There’s a comparison to be made I think between Anderson and Nani. Just look at the way Nani has improved as he aged from 22 to 24. He’s currently United’s most important player – statistically speaking at least. Could Anderson undergo a similar metamorphosis?
He certainly has the ability to do so. I agree that he needs to work on his shooting and that his passing leaves something to be desired. Yet if he’s handed opportunities – real opportunities – strings of games, I’m sure he’ll kick on and prove his worth. His performance at Fulham should at least be evidence enough that he’s worth sticking by.
He’s arguably the most positive player in United’s midfield and will surely be essential when it comes to the Red Devil’s securing silverware this season.
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agree with you.i would like to c a three midfield,anderson,carrick,giggs,valencia,nani and rooney upfront against chelsea,anderson i think is the best to get rid of lampard essien and ramires,he will score too