Anderson: I Thought About Leaving... But I'm Not Finished At United

Anderson returned to Brazil without the permission of Manchester United after becoming frustrated with a lack of playing time.

The Brazilian midfielder has failed to replicate the impressive form of his debut season and faces stronger competition in the centre of the park. He hasn’t played since the first leg of the League Cup semi-final derby, where he was subbed off with 20 minutes to play. He featured in just half our matches in January before leaving and none of them were for the full 90 minutes.

Anderson has today confessed his reason for leaving the country was to think about his future but insists he still has more to achieve at United after talking with Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I went to Brazil to think about my future,” Anderson said. “I didn’t go there to negotiate with other clubs, though. It’s been a difficult season for me as I haven’t played enough games. The coach has asked me for more effort and I accept that but I need more chances to play in the first team. I’ve explained my situation in private to him. I am not a machine. I accept my work was not good during some matches, but those were not significant enough to stop me playing for a long time, I hope. Sincerely, I am not finished at United. I insist that I can offer much to this team in the decisive moments of the season.”