The arrival of David Moyes at Old Trafford only seems to have improved the critical reputation of Sir Alex Ferguson. The man was damn near impeachable up until this point, but the multiple missteps of Moyes has cast him in an even greater light.
But it’s worth remembering that he made mistakes too. Sometimes he got tactically out-smarted. Sometimes he failed to motivate the troops. And sometimes (albeit very rarely), he made poor decisions in the transfer market.
Case in point: Anderson. Yes, we’re all a little bemused as to why Moyes opted to sign Marouane Fellaini over the summer. But there can be little doubt that the big Belgian will be considerably more useful to the club during his stay than Anderson has ever been.
I realise that their playing styles aren’t really comparable. But their price-tags certainly are, as is their utility.
By any standards imaginable Anderson, a £24m signing made back in 2007, has been a disappointment. He was signed to act as the club’s playmaker, but has proven to be more of a box-to-box midfielder, who’s capable of putting in strong tackles and working hard (when he’s motivated).
All too often, however, he looks slow and lethargic. In recent years he doesn’t look interested at all. Some days it’s a wonder that he even bothers to show up.
He’s become steadily less effective over the years and seems to have blown his big shot. This season he’s only made 3 appearances. At 25-years-old, he’s reaching the stage where he needs to start thinking about saving his career.
According to The Mirror, Manchester United are keen to offload both Anderson and his team-mate Ashley Young. Unfortunately, Anderson is unlikely to hold much appeal to other clubs. He’s not going to command a particularly impressive price-tag.
But he’s not completely undesirable. It’s thought that his former club FC Porto are willing to give Anderson another shot on loan.
If this is the only way of getting rid of the Brazilian (and saving money on his wages), then it’s the best way forward. Anderson has scuppered any chance he ever had of building a meaningful career at Old Trafford. He needs a change of scenery and a new lease on life.
At 25-years-old, it’s certainly not too late for him. Here’s hoping Porto give him another chance.
What’s your take? Should United wave goodbye to their hapless Brazilian?
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