8 - Anderson Profile

On 30 May 2007, the Manchester United website confirmed that the club had agreed in principle to sign Anderson from Porto for an undisclosed fee, reported to be approximately £18 million. On 29 June 2007, he was granted a work permit to play in the United Kingdom, and the move was completed on 2 July, with Anderson signing a five-year contract to become United's second Brazilian player after the disappointing Kléberson.

Anderson was friends with Portuguese-speaking team mates, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani prior to joining the club. He was handed the number 8 shirt previously worn by Wayne Rooney and made his Manchester United debut on 3 August 2007, playing 45 minutes of a pre-season friendly against Doncaster Rovers, which United won 2-0.

Anderson made his competitive debut for Manchester United against Sunderland on 1 September 2007, before he was substituted at half time and replaced by Louis Saha. Anderson made his Champions League debut against Sporting CP on 19 September 2007, coming on as a substitute for Ryan Giggs in the 76th minute. He played the full 90 minutes in the League Cup match against Coventry City on 26 September 2007, in a team consisting almost entirely of youth and reserve team players.

In the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final in Moscow, Russia, Anderson was brought on as a substitute in the final minute of extra time to replace Wes Brown, and converted United's sixth attempt in the penalty shootout. He followed it up by kicking the ball back into the net, an act which Alex Ferguson credited with returning the momentum to Manchester United.

Anderson was brought on as a substitute in the 56th minute for Danny Welbeck in the 2009 Carling Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur, and scored the winning penalty in the penalty shootout.

• Valencia & Anderson returns close

  Antonio Valencia could play in Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final on March 12, while Anderson is sidelined for just two to three weeks.

• Fergie wants more from Anderson

  Sir Alex Ferguson hopes a rare Anderson strike can spark the Brazilian into more prolific scoring form for Manchester United.

• Anderson excited to be back

  Anderson cannot wait to get his 2010/11 campaign up and running following a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

• Anderson thankful after crash

  Manchester United star Anderson says he was 'very lucky' to emerge relatively unscathed after crashing his Audi R8 in Portugal.

• Ferguson dilemma over crocked pair

  Sir Alex Ferguson admits injured midfielders Owen Hargreaves and Anderson may be left out of Manchester United's Premier League squad.

• 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 banished to reserves

  Anderson's career at Manchester United hit a new low when the £18million Brazil midfielder was dumped in the reserves.

• United Set For £80 Million Summer Clear-Out

  Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly ready for a busy summer, with the Sunday Mirror claiming that Manchester United are set for an end of season clear-out as they seek to rebuild their squad.

• Fergie denies Anderson and Carrick rift

  Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson has denied reports of a rift with Brazilian midfielder Anderson.

• Anderson wants United stay

  Anderson insists he does not want to leave Manchester United, despite reportedly incurring the wrath of manager Sir Alex Ferguson.