Anderson

[Eriku]

And what about that pass with the outside of his left boot to Nani inside the box? I was hoping for him to do something like that but never thought he'd try it, let alone succeed

I so hope that he's about to get that consistency to his play, he's got the tools to become a world beater.

 

[Shimo]

A lot has been made about the way he hasn't performed away from home - that's true. He needs to now be able to produce these kinds of displays away from home if he is to become a regular and play a lot of games on the bounce. To get consistency he shouldn't be sitting on the bench in favor of someone else that plays better away from home. Maybe he needs encouragement of a crowd behind him, who knows. For his sake (and ours) he needs to find a way to get himself up for the away games as well.

Though, I think this season it's not only him that's been poor in several away games, not an excuse. Perhaps the rest of the team haven't been good because in the end United go as their CM goes (well most teams). I can't wait for next season when it comes to him. I've been saying that he needs a rest and a good pre-season to get his fitness right - I hope I am right, cause if he can play more games with the power and pace he is capable of, not many will be able to go toe-to-toe with him.

 

[RedThaiDevils#7]

Thought he was amazing in the 2nd half, hardly got a through ball wrong and it was like we had 2 Scholesy's on the field, one that defends, one that can take the ball up and dribble and pass a through ball.

It was great to watch, Gibbo also did well too.

 

[Julian Denny]

Some of the comments above are way OTT. However, his performance was more like what we expect and need. Having said that, on the night, he was no better than the much maligned Gibson who also put in a good effort.

The point is does this herald the start of better things to come from Anderson? Looking the star turn against rather weak European opposition is one thing, doing the business against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barca may be quite another. We may have to wait because he's unlikely to start in those two major games to come.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

If you had your way he'd be off in the summer and we'd never find out.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

And what about that pass with the outside of his left boot to Nani inside the box? I was hoping for him to do something like that but never thought he'd try it, let alone succeed .

Pass of the match.

I so hope that he's about to get that consistency to his play, he's got the tools to become a world beater.

I have more than hope. I have faith he will become so.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

It was case of not so much as, what a difference a goal makes but what a difference 2 goals can make

His whole game seemed to take off to a completely different level with the drive and skill we have waited for though it must be said he demonstrated that against Everton but less so against Arsenal.

It has given SAF a bit of a selection headache now. Go with the steady midfield or have the renewed drive and energy with Anderson. For both Chelsea and Barca SAF must be thinking "can I leave him out?".

The hug SAF gave him at the end spoke volumes

 

[Julian Denny]

If you had your way he'd be off in the summer and we'd never find out.

Not quite. If a top quality midfielder joins in the summer plus Cleverley being given a chance and assuming the others are all around for next season - ie Carrick, Fletcher, Gibson and, who knows, Hargreaves as well, it's possible someone will have to go. The wage bill is always under scrutiny. I think Scholes will retire although Giggs will probably be around for one more season. So if Fergie can keep everyone on then that's fine but if, as I say, a choice has to be made then maybe Anderson or Gibson will leave. Based on what he has done to date in his United career and assuming a new arrival in the summer, imo, Anderson leaving would be no great loss. However, in the remaining games of this season, he has the chance to show that he shouldn't be the one to be jettisoned. Gibson too. Both gave notice last night that they can produce the sort of performance expected of them. Consistently good performances is what its all about and that's something Anderson has had difficultly with, in the four seasons he's been with us.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Any new signing can have Scholes's place in the squad, assuming he retires.

If Fergie thinks Cleverley is ready to join the first-team squad (and he may not) then there's always Hargreaves' place up for grabs.

Even if Fergie STILL thinks our midfield needs thinning out I can't even begin to understand the logic of releasing Anderson yet holding onto Gibson (and I rate Gibson higher than most)

 

[choiboyx012]

Some of the comments above are way OTT. However, his performance was more like what we expect and need. Having said that, on the night, he was no better than the much maligned Gibson who also put in a good effort.

The point is does this herald the start of better things to come from Anderson? Looking the star turn against rather weak European opposition is one thing, doing the business against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barca may be quite another. We may have to wait because he's unlikely to start in those two major games to come.

You're right, people shouldn't read too much into this performance, as good as it was. Coming into the match at home with a 2-0 lead is completely different from coming into a league match starting from scratch. The game was obviously stretched from the start and schalke were chasing the game, leaving them exposed.

I am happy for him though. i criticize him the most and I'm still not convinced he'd be anything close to a world beater like people are expecting, but I'd be a happy camper if he put in a string of consistent performances like this.

 

[Aaron]

He played well and that's all you can ask. I've never felt his passing ability was or range was ever in question, only his fitness.

He's only 23 and is poised to play in his third European Cup final. Incredible education he's having. I don't think we'll see the best from him for another two or three years yet though.

 

[Cina]

Even if Fergie STILL thinks our midfield needs thinning out I can't even begin to understand the logic of releasing Anderson yet holding onto Gibson (and I rate Gibson higher than most)

People actually think that? Ruddy 'ell.

Anderson will get another season at least.

 

[Julian Denny]

Any new signing can have Scholes's place in the squad, assuming he retires.

If Fergie thinks Cleverley is ready to join the first-team squad (and he may not) then there's always Hargreaves' place up for grabs.

Even if Fergie STILL thinks our midfield needs thinning out I can't even begin to understand the logic of releasing Anderson yet holding onto Gibson (and I rate Gibson higher than most)

Look you may well be right. Fergie invested a lot of money in Anderson and he will give him every chance, I'm sure. If he ends this season well or at least shows that the potential everyone's waiting for might be on the verge of being realised consistently, then almost certainly he will be given more time. Don't forget this is the fellow who was originally heralded as being a likely successor to Scholes. He's still got a lot to prove if he is to come anywhere near that level. On the other side, judging from reports, Cleverley will be given a chance. Some even talk about him being our older version of Wilshere. Then we have the others. It's about quality rather than numbers and we do need a quality midfielder, something which we have lacked this season. No good second guessing Fergie though and it could be that he won't bring anyone in and instead give Cleverley a go. Hargreaves is not totally out of the equation either although it would be a risk to go into another season without some sort of reasonable assurance that he has a chance of staying fit.

 

[Julian Denny]

Pass of the match.

No. That was Gibson's to Valencia for the opener.

 

[Clique]

Look you may well be right. Fergie invested a lot of money in Anderson and he will give him every chance, I'm sure. If he ends this season well or at least shows that the potential everyone's waiting for might be on the verge of being realised consistently, then almost certainly he will be given more time. Don't forget this is the fellow who was originally heralded as being a likely successor to Scholes. He's still got a lot to prove if he is to come anywhere near that level. On the other side, judging from reports, Cleverley will be given a chance. Some even talk about him being our older version of Wilshere. Then we have the others. It's about quality rather than numbers and we do need a quality midfielder, something which we have lacked this season. No good second guessing Fergie though and it could be that he won't bring anyone in and instead give Cleverley a go. Hargreaves is not totally out of the equation either although it would be a risk to go into another season without some sort of reasonable assurance that he has a chance of staying fit.

You've obviously got some thing against Anderson mate. His consistency has been improving and he's still a young lad with a fair few years to mature and play into the role we want him to. His form in our home games has been phenomenal. Away games has been a bit meh, but then again thats how young players are. And at 23 he is young. Quite.

Now coming on to your points on Hargreaves and Cleverly. Cleverly isn't the second coming of Jesus. If you expect him to be, you'll be disappointed. Of all the games that i've seen him play, he's been playing out wide. We still don't have sufficient proof to conclusively say he'll be played through the middle come next season at United. He too is a young lad, who will take his time and he too does have problems with consistency. So to actually think Anderson would be lower than him in the pecking order come next season is crazy to say the least.

Hargreaves, when he was played through the middle, wasn't that spectacular in the first season. if you want to, you can go and check the yesteryear threads to prove my points. His best games were when he was played wide right. Atleast in the United shirt. I must admit, i didn't follow his game with great interest when he was playing in munich. And we don't know if he'll return to the player he once was if he gets over these niggling injuries. Again to say he'll be above Anderson in the pecking order is laughable.

Now coming to the mystery player. You say we'll buy a midfielder with great certainty and even in that case, at this point of time we have 3 midfielders who are rotated evenly in the first team. To separate Anderson, Carrick and Fletcher in terms of hierarchy would be impossible. Once this triumvirate passes we have Scholes (Who though is our best mid fielder, technically, isn't higher up because we can't get him to play 3 games in 8 days). Followed by Gibson. Now the first three can improve their performances. But scholesy has had his Indian Summer, he can produce his magic when managed with cotton wool, but expecting to play more than he has this season would be foolish. This new midfielder you speak of with either join the ranks behind the first 3 or will join the first 3 in being the first 4. He would definitely take time to adjust to the league if he's bought from another league.

All things considered, i seriously do think, unless we spend very very huge amount of money and bring in 3 new extra ordinarily gifted players, we would n't be selling either Gibson (who might force a move) or Anderson( for whom i see a very bright future in the colours of United)

 

[RedSky]

Pass of the match.

That was Gibson

Good game for Anderson yesterday. Showed real desire to join Berbatov upfront and scored 2 goals (I could hardly believe it).

He's still very rough imo though and seems to pick the wrong choice alot of the time infront of goal. But his energy really helped Berbatov imo yesterday, pleased for the lad.

 

[Stretch]

Anyone who says we need to get rid of Ando must be joking. His form was great and consistent before he got injured this season. He's constantly improving and his fitness levels have gotten better. He's one of the few players we have who's willing to try the spectacular ball. I for one want him to stick around, he's still young and has a role to play at the club.

 

[Raulduke]

He showed a level of endurance last night that I thought could well be beyond him. It was probably the thought of getting a hattrick but he was busting a gut to get forward right up to the final whistle. He played well up to his first goal but really excelled after it and seemed to enjoy his football more. Great little boost for the squad for the remainder of the season if he maintains his confidence.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Not quite. If a top quality midfielder joins in the summer plus Cleverley being given a chance and assuming the others are all around for next season - ie Carrick, Fletcher, Gibson and, who knows, Hargreaves as well, it's possible someone will have to go. The wage bill is always under scrutiny. I think Scholes will retire although Giggs will probably be around for one more season. So if Fergie can keep everyone on then that's fine but if, as I say, a choice has to be made then maybe Anderson or Gibson will leave. Based on what he has done to date in his United career and assuming a new arrival in the summer, imo, Anderson leaving would be no great loss. However, in the remaining games of this season, he has the chance to show that he shouldn't be the one to be jettisoned. Gibson too. Both gave notice last night that they can produce the sort of performance expected of them. Consistently good performances is what its all about and that's something Anderson has had difficultly with, in the four seasons he's been with us.

I don't any reason why we would hang on to Hargreaves and Gibson but let go of Anderson. That would be utter stupidity.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Some of the comments above are way OTT. However, his performance was more like what we expect and need. Having said that, on the night, he was no better than the much maligned Gibson who also put in a good effort.

The point is does this herald the start of better things to come from Anderson? Looking the star turn against rather weak European opposition is one thing, doing the business against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barca may be quite another. We may have to wait because he's unlikely to start in those two major games to come.

The comments are not over the top. Valencia plays well, he gets praise. Anderson plays well, he gets praise. Gibson plays well, he gets praise. But the praise for one is not to your liking.

The problem are some peoples expectations, though. Every young player is not a Rooney or Messi whose game is so well developed at 18-21.

 

[KingEric7]

Anderson is the last midfielder in the first team squad we should be looking at getting rid of. Yes, there's issues with inconsistency, off the ball movement and fitness, but if there's even a chance of him becoming the player we all know he can be, then we must persist with him in his development.

I remember reading one of the match-day programs last year whereby Phelan was giving an interview regarding the future of the club, and how it might map out. He sang Anderson's praises, but also admitted that he felt his progress would follow a different curve to that of Rooney, Ronaldo et al. It's understandable really, and I still think that the impact of having such an enormous set of injuries throughout his teens and early 20s is underrated on here.

One thing you can almost guarantee is that, if Anderson did leave this summer (and if his injury record did improve), he would become a fecking amazing player for someone else.

 

[KingEric7]

The comments are not over the top. Valencia plays well, he gets praise. Anderson plays well, he gets praise. Gibson plays well, he gets praise. But the praise for one is not to your liking.

The problem are some peoples expectations, though. Every young player is not a Rooney or Messi whose game is so well developed at 18-21.

Yeh, exactly. We've been absolutely spoilt with the likes of Rooney, Fabregas, Messi and, to a lesser extent, Ronaldo over the last decades. These are players that were almost impossibly developed at such a young age.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Anderson is the last midfielder in the first team squad we should be looking at getting rid of. Yes, there's issues with inconsistency, off the ball movement and fitness, but if there's even a chance of him becoming the player we all know he can be, then we must persist with him in his development.

I remember reading one of the match-day programs last year whereby Phelan was giving an interview regarding the future of the club, and how it might map out. He sang Anderson's praises, but also admitted that he felt his progress would follow a different curve to that of Rooney, Ronaldo et al. It's understandable really, and I still think that the impact of having such an enormous set of injuries throughout his teens and early 20s is underrated on here.

One thing you can almost guarantee is that, if Anderson did leave this summer (and if his injury record did improve), he would become a fecking amazing player for someone else.

I think so. I just don't see the point at all of getting rid. Barring Scholes, Anderson's potential is the highest out of all our central midfielders. What people don't get is that it's okay to develop not as fast as Rooney, Messi etc.

I don't see any problem with him being a good backup or first team player used in rotation till he becomes the best he can be. People almost take it as an insult for him to be a backup midfielder. That's what he is ATM. And I'd say he's a very good 3rd or 4th choice midfielder.

 

[Julian Denny]

You've obviously got some thing against Anderson mate. His consistency has been improving and he's still a young lad with a fair few years to mature and play into the role we want him to. His form in our home games has been phenomenal. Away games has been a bit meh, but then again thats how young players are. And at 23 he is young. Quite.

Now coming on to your points on Hargreaves and Cleverly. Cleverly isn't the second coming of Jesus. If you expect him to be, you'll be disappointed. Of all the games that i've seen him play, he's been playing out wide. We still don't have sufficient proof to conclusively say he'll be played through the middle come next season at United. He too is a young lad, who will take his time and he too does have problems with consistency. So to actually think Anderson would be lower than him in the pecking order come next season is crazy to say the least.

Hargreaves, when he was played through the middle, wasn't that spectacular in the first season. if you want to, you can go and check the yesteryear threads to prove my points. His best games were when he was played wide right. Atleast in the United shirt. I must admit, i didn't follow his game with great interest when he was playing in munich. And we don't know if he'll return to the player he once was if he gets over these niggling injuries. Again to say he'll be above Anderson in the pecking order is laughable.

Now coming to the mystery player. You say we'll buy a midfielder with great certainty and even in that case, at this point of time we have 3 midfielders who are rotated evenly in the first team. To separate Anderson, Carrick and Fletcher in terms of hierarchy would be impossible. Once this triumvirate passes we have Scholes (Who though is our best mid fielder, technically, isn't higher up because we can't get him to play 3 games in 8 days). Followed by Gibson. Now the first three can improve their performances. But scholesy has had his Indian Summer, he can produce his magic when managed with cotton wool, but expecting to play more than he has this season would be foolish. This new midfielder you speak of with either join the ranks behind the first 3 or will join the first 3 in being the first 4. He would definitely take time to adjust to the league if he's bought from another league.

All things considered, i seriously do think, unless we spend very very huge amount of money and bring in 3 new extra ordinarily gifted players, we would n't be selling either Gibson (who might force a move) or Anderson( for whom i see a very bright future in the colours of United)

Maybe I have. I'd like to think that my view is based on reasonably sound reasons. However, I will be very happy to admit I'm wrong if he proves otherwise. Yes he's young but, as I keep on saying, based on what he's achieved so far at United - or not achieved over four seasons - I really can't see what, in some quarters, all the fuss is about. Perhaps you have greater insight into footballer's potential than I have but to me he's got a lot to prove. Yes he shows flashes of quality - perhaps real quality - but to date my opinion is that his game is limited. I also wonder about his professionalism in the context of reports of one or two off the field antics. I'll admit that that accusation could be levelled at quite a few others. The difference being, Anderson is not established at United whereas other miscreants in the past are.

As to the other comments. Of course we don't know about Cleverley vis a vis United. But judging from reports he's highly promising and will be at United next season rather than out on loan. It will then be an issue of weighing up the midfield numbers against the actual quality. Perhaps, with Anderson, you think our midfield will be fine. Whether or not that's the case is about to be tested in the next few weeks, never mind next season. I think we lack quality and Anderson, per se, is not likely to be the answer.

I wouldn't compare Hargreaves with Anderson at all. Yes they play in central midfield but the one has a holding role whereas the other is attacking. In my view a fit Hargreaves has been sorely missed this season - particularly in away games. I don't mean in a right back or right wing position but sitting in front of the back four. I think Carrick is wasted there. Anyway, having played only a handful of games, he's not really had the chance to show what he can do in his proper and most effective position. In that regard, you may argue, neither has Anderson. Touche !

 

[mufcwarm92]

Performances like last night from Anderson really annoy me. How can he be this good in some games and so comprehensively dire in others? He has real talent as a driving, combattive, creative midfield player, but just can't produce it consistently. When he's good, he's bloody brilliant, but I'd love to see him carry that kind of form through an entire season.

 

[Cold_Boy]

I don't any reason why we would hang on to Hargreaves and Gibson but let go of Anderson. That would be utter stupidity.

It is clear he doesn't like Anderson.

A few people didn't even put him in their top 3 for the MOM.

There is no way Anderson was not one of the top 3 today.

 

[ryan_forlan]

anderson cleverly
carrick fletcher

we easily have a space for a first-team/world class midfielder.

 

[Anderson8]

Good performance today. Impressed me with the attacking positions he took up, not often you seem him in a position to receive the kind of pass Berba gave him, hopefully he does that more often.

 

[Cina]

There was a great comment on 606 I think, about his effort outside the box.

"There it is Anderson, the only good shot you'll ever take, and it's against that goalkeeper"

Made me laugh.

 

[golden_blunder]

great performance from him last night. Started slowly but grew into it. Scored twice but for me the most encouraging thing was him running with the ball at pace, driving the team forwards. Perhaps the best thing actually was the fact that he was still doing this late in the game!

 

[RedThaiDevils#7]

great performance from him last night. Started slowly but grew into it. Scored twice but for me the most encouraging thing was him running with the ball at pace, driving the team forwards. Perhaps the best thing actually was the fact that he was still doing this late in the game!

I liked the way he smiled, was happy and after he did score, he came back to life.

 

[ben_foster]

You've obviously got some thing against Anderson mate. His consistency has been improving and he's still a young lad with a fair few years to mature and play into the role we want him to. His form in our home games has been phenomenal. Away games has been a bit meh, but then again thats how young players are. And at 23 he is young. Quite.

Now coming on to your points on Hargreaves and Cleverly. Cleverly isn't the second coming of Jesus. If you expect him to be, you'll be disappointed. Of all the games that i've seen him play, he's been playing out wide. We still don't have sufficient proof to conclusively say he'll be played through the middle come next season at United. He too is a young lad, who will take his time and he too does have problems with consistency. So to actually think Anderson would be lower than him in the pecking order come next season is crazy to say the least.

Hargreaves, when he was played through the middle, wasn't that spectacular in the first season. if you want to, you can go and check the yesteryear threads to prove my points. His best games were when he was played wide right. Atleast in the United shirt. I must admit, i didn't follow his game with great interest when he was playing in munich. And we don't know if he'll return to the player he once was if he gets over these niggling injuries. Again to say he'll be above Anderson in the pecking order is laughable.

Now coming to the mystery player. You say we'll buy a midfielder with great certainty and even in that case, at this point of time we have 3 midfielders who are rotated evenly in the first team. To separate Anderson, Carrick and Fletcher in terms of hierarchy would be impossible. Once this triumvirate passes we have Scholes (Who though is our best mid fielder, technically, isn't higher up because we can't get him to play 3 games in 8 days). Followed by Gibson. Now the first three can improve their performances. But scholesy has had his Indian Summer, he can produce his magic when managed with cotton wool, but expecting to play more than he has this season would be foolish. This new midfielder you speak of with either join the ranks behind the first 3 or will join the first 3 in being the first 4. He would definitely take time to adjust to the league if he's bought from another league.

All things considered, i seriously do think, unless we spend very very huge amount of money and bring in 3 new extra ordinarily gifted players, we would n't be selling either Gibson (who might force a move) or Anderson( for whom i see a very bright future in the colours of United)

pretty much nail on the head with a couple of exceptions.

Carrick is our first choice midfielder!!! in any big game you could argue a case for fletcher, scholesy, ando or giggs playing centre midfield but all would be alongside carrick.

i personally belive the midfielder we need is the sneider / van der vaart / ozil type flair / attacking player. I also think that we have the player to play that role! Wayne rooney!!

i think that we will spend money in the summer. the majority on a keeper in addition to 2 or 3 bargains similar to smalling and chica, maybe a midfielder but more likeley wingers and forwards.

we'll get games from giggs scholes and hopefully hargreaves next year which will give the likes of paul pogba etc another year to develop into a fringe player and then hopefully more.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

If anyone can provide a gif or clip of that burst from Ando yesterday followed by a pass with the outside of his left foot to Nani, it would be great.

 

[Top]

I'm sure someone will make a Anderson vs. Shcalke compilation of all the times he touched the ball. Someone usually does when he has a great game.
Although I could capture it for you if you give me the exact match minute.

 

[MrMarcello]

His second goal would be fantastic with the Benny Hill Theme playing. He took an extremely slow swing to strike the ball initially, so slow that it allowed the defender to make a tackle. Then he seemingly lost the ball while on the ground, recovered and shot home. It was like slow motion.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

His second goal would be fantastic with the Benny Hill Theme playing. He took an extremely slow swing to strike the ball initially, so slow that it allowed the defender to make a tackle. Then he seemingly lost the ball while on the ground, recovered and shot home. It was like slow motion.

That's not how I remember it at all.

The pass was behind him and he used his body to shield the ball from the defender, ending up on the floor in the process. Then he got up and buried it on the turn.

Not dissimilar to a goal Ronaldo got for Madrid earlier this season, which had people in raptures (will look for vid of it).

 

[Top]

Also worth mentioning he make great use of his big arse for Gibson's goal.

 

[Ubik]

If anyone can provide a gif or clip of that burst from Ando yesterday followed by a pass with the outside of his left foot to Nani, it would be great.

You mean the one straight after they'd scored, where he put Valencia one on one with Neuer?

 

[amolbhatia50k]

You mean the one straight after they'd scored, where he put Valencia one on one with Neuer?

No the one where he drove through the centre of the pitch and then passed a beauty to Nani. It didn't result in anything but was a wonderful bit of play.

 

[prateik]

Evans' reaction is brilliant