Where to begin with this downtrodden soul? Resigned to the Manchester United reserves for the latter part of his time at Old Trafford, the weighty Brazilian has only himself to blame for his dramatic decline. Once upon a time, while carving through Portuguese defences as a swash-buckling 18 year old, he was heralded as Ronaldinhos heir apparent in the national team. While his license to roam was instantly curtailed at Old Trafford, as Sir Alex Ferguson sought a dynamic and robust midfielder to finally replace the influential Roy Keane, it is now seven years later and he hasnt represented his country since 2008. The reason Andersons transfer to Manchester United came as such a surprise wasnt because he wasnt good enough - after all, he was deemed one of Europes brightest young talents in 2007 - but because it came completely out of the blue. In this modern-day world of media scrutiny and journalist hacks lurking behind every screen corner, no transfer rumour is left a secret any rumour it seems. In the case of Andersons move, however, there had been no forewarning when Manchester United announced on May 30 2007 that they had agreed a £35 million to take the Portuguese playmaker and Sporting Lisbon winger Nani to Old Trafford. It was the equivalent of chief executive Ed Woodwards spontaneous work this summer, pulling an incredible deal from seemingly thin air. Of course, both players have flattered to deceive, with the Portuguese winger completing a seven-year 360 degree cycle to end up back in Lisbon on loan this season, while the former Brazilian playmaker-turned defensive anchor-turned benchwarmer looks to be next in line for the chop.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
