Manchester United's Midfield Injury Crisis Set to Give Anderson One Last Chance

Anderson is running out of time at Manchester United.

In six years he exhausted the patience of the fans and the manager who signed him, Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson's retirement earned him a stay of execution while David Moyes took the time to run the rule over his new squad.

But, three months into the season, Anderson has made just two starts in all competitions, each lasting little more than an hour. His two appearances from the bench, against Swansea in the Premier League and Norwich in the Capital One Cup, have totalled six minutes.

With the January transfer window approaching, it has led to stories of possible moves away from Old Trafford.

But events have conspired to give the Brazilian midfielder one last chance. 

Michael Carrick has been ruled out until Christmas with an Achilles injury. The abductor injury Phil Jones picked up on England duty makes him a doubt for the trips to Cardiff on Sunday and Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday and Marouane Fellaini, still carrying a wrist injury, is struggling to find his best form after his deadline day move from Everton.

Fellaini is likely to partner Tom Cleverley in midfield at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday if both return from international duty without any bumps or bruises.

But with United facing nine games in 28 days before Christmas minus Carrick and Jones, Anderson is in line to get a chance to impress before the start of the January sales.

Moyes is under no pressure to sell in January with Anderson under contract until 2015. If United wanted to cash in before the end of his deal, they could do it next summer.

The most likely destinations would be former club Porto or a move back to Brazil.

But if Anderson has visions of remaining in Manchester beyond the end of the season, the time to start earning the opportunity is now. 

On his day he offers United something none of their other midfielders can. He can pick up the ball and run at defenders, with the ability to spread the play with both his left and his right foot.

United fans still sing about the day he dominated Arsenal with Cesc Fabregas safely tucked away in his back pocket. 

But for six years, the supporters have been waiting for him to do it regularly. Injuries haven't helped but neither has his own form.

Moyes is running out of options in midfield as he prepares for a hectic run of games before Christmas. Anderson, meanwhile, is running out of time to prove to his new manager he's worth keeping around.

It's all set up for a reconciliation. Or a final parting of the ways.