Anderson and Nani: A pivotal year awaits the frustrating duo at Manchester United

Though Moyes seems willing to give him a chance under the new regime, the 27 year old will also have to impress Paulo Bento, Portugal’s coach, who has told him to rediscover his first team spot or risk losing out to the blossoming Vieirinha in a World Cup year.

There will be no similar fears of missing out on a World Cup for Anderson having not been capped since 2008, though his initial development into the Brazil set-up, in which he won player of the tournament at the 2005 Under-17 World Championship and a place in Dunga’s provisional squad for the 2006 Copa America, is testimony to his ability to fail to realise his potential.

At Old Trafford, the midfielder has failed to live up to his £17 million price-tag, often appearing lethargic in the centre of the field and used sparingly by Ferguson despite the ageing of Paul Scholes. Anderson has failed to make over 20 appearances in one league season since his debut season in 2007. Perhaps it is a record owing to his woeful fitness record, out of the 96 league games he has played since arriving six years ago, the 25-year-old has completed the full 90 minutes just 19 times.

Disciplinary action for a trip to Brazil made without permission, rumours of over-excessive partying, a bad record with injuries and a serious car accident in his homeland have all hit Anderson during his time with Manchester United and the cynic may argue that Ferguson’s continued faith in the midfielder was simply based on a refusal to admit he was wrong to part with such a large amount of money for the then-teenager.

One would easily realise the folly in using Anderson as a consistent replacement for Paul Scholes despite his transition into a deeper-lying combative midfielder under Ferguson. It is clear Moyes employs the same thinking given his search for midfield reinforcements that has lurched, seemingly desperately, from Thiago Alcantara to Cesc Fabregas.

With Tom Cleverley, the converted Ryan Giggs, the returning Darren Fletcher or even the young Nick Powell, as well as the possible new addition that Moyes seems intent on bringing in, competing for the midfield slot alongside Michael Carrick, Anderson faces a huge battle in his quest for a more regular spot in the first team.

It is a battle that both players are preparing to embark on, one that has their Manchester United futures at stake. Ferguson showed patience and persistence in his eagerness for his £35 million double-deal to become a success, though Moyes is unlikely to be as understanding as he looks to shape his squad with new contracts and rumoured departures on the agenda.

It is a big year for all of the Manchester United squad as they face life without Ferguson, but it is even bigger for Nani and Anderson. Frustrating, sporadic, inconsistent, no more excuses.