Anderson: A Future Star for Manchester United?

Brazilian midfielder Anderson has had a fantastic debut season for Manchester United and is being tipped for prominence by many. The 19 year-old midfielder has also been touted as the permanent replacement for Paul Scholes, another midfield maestro. 

United fans have seen their share of possible replacements for Paul Scholes in recent times, the most famous being Liam Miller and Eric Djemba-Djemba, who both failed to ever prove themselves for the Old Trafford outfit. 

At the news of Anderson’s capture from FC Porto, United supporters must’ve been wondering if he was going to be yet another disappointment. 

But the former Gremio and FC Porto midfielder has already proven he can succeed at Manchester United. Anderson has played a big part in United’s campaign, and despite failing to find the net so far, has shown he has what it takes to thrive at Old Trafford.

The only thing Anderson is really missing from his game is goals. The Brazilian has yet to open his account for United since joining in the summer, and with the season drawn to a close Anderson will be hoping next season he can grab the goal he’s been craving all year long. 

Anderson said midway through the season he was desperate to score for United. 

“I’m literally praying for goals!” he said. “I’m hopeful that when I start scoring I will score some important goals in important games.”

Anderson may not have added his name to the scoring charts this season, but he did step up and score a crucial penalty kick in the Champions League final penalty shoot-out against Chelsea.

Set his goal-scoring record aside, however, and you’ll discover there isn’t much that this teenager is missing from his game. Anderson has already proven he can play against the best, doing so by producing unyielding displays against both Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas. 

Is there any doubt in anyone’s mind that Anderson is headed for stardom? Sir Alex Ferguson has already expressed his delight at the young Brazilian’s swift adjustment to English football and is tipping the youngster for a bright future at Old Trafford.

Mario Zagallo, Brazil’s World Cup-winning coach, is another fond admirer of Anderson:

“Everything suggests that he is going to be a superstar, a prodigy, as he has undisputable quality.”

If Anderson keeps on playing the way he has been this season, then he may just end up being renowned in the same way as his fellow countryman and childhood hero: Ronaldinho.