Anderson pondering United future

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has admitted he is considering his future at Old Trafford after falling out of the first-team picture.

Anderson's long-term future at United has been the subject of speculation for the last few weeks after a reported bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 21-year-old has not featured for the first team since the Carling Cup defeat to Manchester City on 19 January and he is thought to have infuriated Ferguson by skipping training to return to his native Brazil.

Anderson admits he went to Brazil to consider his future as he fears his lack of regular action at United will jeopardise his chances of making his country's World Cup squad.

"The conversations with Ferguson are private but I have explained my situation," said Anderson.

"I went to Brazil to think about my future and not to negotiate with other clubs.

"One of my dreams this season is to make the Brazil squad for the World Cup but the fact is that if I do not play for United then [the national coach] Dunga is not going to be interested in me.

"This is very hard for me because I need minutes on the field during the coming matches. I always had a good relation with Ferguson. He has asked me for more effort and I accept that, but I need more chances to play in the first team."

The former Porto man concedes he has yet to produce his best for United since his arrival at the club in the summer of 2007

"I have won titles in Manchester but still the people have not seen my real performance on the field," added Anderson. "I am not a machine. It is impossible to function 100% in each match and I accept that I have not played well during some matches but those were not significant enough to stop me playing for a long time."

The tough-tackling midfielder, who was left out of the squad for last week's Champions League trip to AC Milan, insists he would be happy to stay at United if he is afforded more first-team opportunities.

"The decision not to ask me to travel to Milan was down to the coach," noted Anderson. "I just hope I have more luck and can play in the return game.

"I am a professional footballer and my responsibility is to United. Am I happy? I would say I am optimistic. If I play more games then I will be happy. But that is normal.

"Some European clubs have asked about me but, as far as I am concerned, my future is still with United.

"I am not finished here and I'm convinced that I can offer much to this team in the decisive moments of the season."