2012/13 is the make or break season for Anderson

Oliviera Anderson, commonly known as Anderson, inherited the no.8 jersey from Wayne Rooney upon his arrival from FC Porto for a deal worth 17 million pounds. He was making the same ripples in the transfer market which Lucas Moura did this summer and Manchester United won the battle for his signature unlike this time.

He was the next big thing to come from Brazil: athletic, confident, fast and powerful, seen as the successor to Paul Scholes who seemed to be in the twilight of his career. His arrival was hailed by all as it is the United way to nurture youngsters and with the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo leading the list of promising youngsters who turned out to be stars, all seemed bright for this prospect. His signing was followed by his impressive performance in U-17 World Cup where he won the golden ball and suddenly a future star was there in the waiting.

Fast forward to 2012, Anderson is going to enter his sixth season in the EPL with Man Utd, but he still is the one with the potential who can create magic on the field. Though the magician has hardly yielded his magic wand, the ‘successor of Paul Scholes’ is nowhere near him in actual consistency and performance and sadly, Scholes still commands a first team place when actually Anderson should have been dictating the United midfield. Potential is necessary but desire to succeed is more important. Anderson is not a bad player but he needs to realise that no one will remember him for his potential. The time has come for him to take the baton from Scholes and repay the faith Sir Alex Ferguson has shown in him.

I agree that injuries have hampered his progress but he needs to seize his chance. With SAF deciding to continue with his current midfield options, it is clear that he trusts Anderson to step up along side Tom Cleverly. Lets hope they do because we got a trailer of what they could do together last season. Otherwise, it would be good for both Anderson and Man Utd to part ways. United need to excel and he has been provided with enough opportunities. With players like D.Petrucci, Jesse Lingard, R. Tunnicliffe knocking on the doors, it is clear that the coming season is the make or break season for Anderson for if United need to return to the top, a strong midfield is a necessity and if they fail to achieve their goal Anderson might just have to leave.

Legend has it that the one who seizes his chance is the one who makes his own destiny. So good luck Anderson, your chance is waiting to be seized.