As if Manchester United fan feeling wasn’t low enough towards their Brazilian midfielder Anderson, the news that he shunned a breathalyser test after being stopped by police in his native country a few days ago may have fans seriously questioning his worth. Manchester United’s marmite man had been enjoying a bit of R&R in Brazil whilst he convalesced from his most recent injury, but this recent news may throw his future with the Red Devils into doubt.
According to GloboEsporte.com the stocky midfielder pulled up at a police checkpoint in the early hours of Friday morning in Porto Alegre and refused to take the test. As a result his driving license was temporarily confiscated, he will receive a fine and he was forced to let his bodyguard take him home.
Of course, we don’t really know the full story. The Zero Hora Daily reports that Anderson’s lawyers have denied the claim that their client failed to take the breathalyser test. Still it will be interesting to see what effect these events have on Sir Alex Ferguson’s mindset going forward.
For a start Anderson already had a bad car crash a little over a year and a half ago. Either he’s very unlucky or he’s a little reckless – Fergie will be absolutely furious that he’s willing to but himself and his livelihood at risk – not to mention all the other lives he puts at risk by drink driving. Then there’s the fact that he’s in Brazil. Whilst I’m sure he got the go ahead from Manchester United’s top brass, I don’t think an injury should prevent him from cheering on and supporting his team as they chase the title.
It struck me before this season that it may well be his last chance for him to prove himself and stake a claim to a place in Manchester United’s midfield. Unfortunately injuries have wrecked this opportunity and it’s likely that Ferguson will look to bring in a little more competition in the midfield when the transfer window reopens.
It’s sad because Anderson showed a lot of promise as a youngster, but he’s never really actualised any of his potential. He’s got a fairly good engine on him and he’s got real physical presence on him but he was never best suited for the box-to-box midfielder role that Sir Alex handed him. He doesn’t score enough and he’s sloppy in position. If United do decide to move him on I wont be all that sad to see him go.
Whilst United remain the forerunners for the Premier League title this season if they’re to stand a chance next year they’ll need to make the right signings in the right areas. As a result certain players will be up for the chop and I won’t be surprised if Anderson is one of the first out the door.
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