Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Anderson can go on a goal run
after finally opening his Manchester United account with a superb
free-kick on Wednesday.
Anderson's stunning strike against Boca Juniors in the Audi Cup
in Munich could be just what he needs to begin scoring with
regularity this season, according to United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson.
It has taken the Brazil midfielder over two years to get on the
scoresheet for United but Ferguson believes the floodgates may well
now open.
"We hope this will spark him off and give him the incentive to
be more positive with shooting for a start," said Ferguson.
"He has been with us for two years, as you know, and had many
close opportunities with goalies saving or shots hitting the
post.
"Hopefully his luck changes and he takes the incentive of
scoring today to go on and score more for us."
Anderson curled in a fine left-footed free-kick from just
outside the penalty area to give United the lead in a match they
eventually won 2-1 with Antonio Valencia scoring on his debut.
In the past, Cristiano Ronaldo would probably have taken that
set-piece and his sale to Real Madrid could be Anderson's chance to
get more opportunities with a dead ball around the penalty
area.
Just as long as Anderson is on the field, Ferguson admitted he
is one of the options for free-kicks and penalties.
"I have been thinking about this for two weeks now and I have no
definite answer to it," he said.
"I think it depends on what 11 players are playing in a
particular game. I think we have two or three players who are
natural to take responsibility.
"(Patrice) Evra, (Michael) Carrick, Anderson and (Ryan) Giggs
are all natural choices to take penalty kicks, but when I choose my
11 on a particular day, then I will make my mind up on that
day."
The chances are Anderson will be figuring more often this season
following Ronaldo's departure.
Ferguson says he, as well as Nani, has the "right platform and
right training environment" and that the 2009-10 season could be
when they come of age.
"They are young and when you are young and have the ambition,
then that can happen," said the Scot.
"I expect to see that improvement and have no fears about
Anderson and Nani.
"They are young boys with young minds playing at the highest
level of football."
United will be back in action in the Audi Cup final on Thursday
when they face hosts Bayern Munich, who crushed AC Milan 4-1 in the
other semi-final.