Man United looking to offload struggling midfielder?

The Mirror has alleged that Brazilian international midfielder Anderson looks set to be shown the exit door at Old Trafford this summer. The 24-year-old has failed to live up to the hype surrounding him when he arrived in the North West in 2007 from Portuguese side Porto.

Anderson, who has been capped 8 times at full international level for Brazil, has failed to make the central midfield position his own during his time at United. This season has seen him battle with both form and fitness, and he now finds himself behind Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Shinji Kagawa and Ryan Giggs in the pecking order.

On top of that, Scot Darren Fletcher is continuing to make progress in his recovery from a bowel condition. Unfortunately for Anderson he has been pressured by the millstone of a £17 million transfer fee, and as such looks unlikely to fulfil the potential that his price tag suggested.

A return to Portugal is reportedly the most likely destination, should the decision to sell him be signed off by the Old Trafford hierarchy. Paul Scholes’ likely retirement may encourage Fergie to sound out a replacement before he does agree to let Anderson leave the Manchester giants.