Terrace Talk

Flashback to 2^nd October 2007 at Old Trafford, as Manchester United host Roma in what is seemingly becoming a regular fixture. As United stutter to yet another 1-0 victory (their fifth in the last 7 victories) and the fans begin to wonder what happened to that juggernaut of an attacking force they were so used to seeing plunder goal after breathtaking goal, Michael Carrick injures his elbow to the point where Fergie is informed by the physios that the 18 million pound man is to sit out the next 5 weeks. The situation demanded the questions: a) How was a troubled elbow supposed to keep a professional footballer on the sidelines for that long a period of time? But worse, b) With Owen Hargreaves still nursing a knee injury, how were United to cope without yet another senior midfielder while still battle the curse of the never-ending one-nils? Enter Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira.

In the summer of 2007, Sir Alex Ferguson thrashed out a reported 17 million pounds on a 19 year old Porto playmaker, who due to age or lack thereof, coupled with 5 months on the treatment table due to a broken leg, had hardly been making plays for the Portuguese side let alone been their star attraction. The critics swooped. However, this skinny dreadlocked Brazilian better known as ‘Anderson’ had other ideas. Thrust into the starting lineup both by injury and hints of talent, the youngster began what fans hope will be a long and glittering career at United in spectacular fashion.

Fergie’s talent laden squad had been frustrated for 45 minutes against a Wigan side that seemed content with the ‘park-the-bus’ tactic until an inspired half-time team talk imbued new energy in a team simply waiting to let loose. Anderson’s talents became immediately apparent as he began strutting around and stringing together passes Paul Scholes would be proud of. From playing sideline to sideline cross-field balls to demonstrating the intricacies of slick, one touch, pass and move football, the young South American was the central link in United’s 4-pronged assault on Chris Hutchings’ men. Could he be the real deal or were The Latics just playing the form game and allowing United to notch up yet another 4 goals against them? Aston Villa, Dynamo Kiev, Middlesbrough and high-flying Arsenal made up the next batch of litmus paper.

A few solid performances (littered with brilliance) later and Anderson had fans and critics alike anticipating his next touch, pass and dribble. Having said all that however, it was away to table-toppers Arsenal that the little Brazilian began to show signs of not letting go the mantle, injured Carrick or not. It was then I began to question: Does Michael Carrick still warrant a starting spot on this star-studded lineup?

Anderson displays not just the qualities of a visionary attacking midfielder, but in the matches so far, he has hinted at possessing the tenacity of an all-action central midfielder as well. Running, harrying, hounding, tackling and jostling with the opposition, he’s slowly beginning to mould himself into the middle-man that Michael Carrick would seemingly have to cynically injure in order to replace. Carrick’s passing, vision and general link-up play can stand up with the best of standards, but Anderson possesses all of that, plus a passport from a country enriched with 5 world cup titles. He’s barely begun to catch the eye of manager Dunga, but he’s certainly caught mine. A defensively-capable Ronaldinho? Ha! I surely do get way ahead of myself.