There have been big changes at Old Trafford this summer,
from which Ben Hibbs feels Anderson must come of
age and kick on next term...
Whenever a talismanic and iconic player
departs for pastures new, the inevitable clamour to find his
replacement begins, people often seeking a like-for-like
alternative. The truth is, there arguably isn’t a player in the
world that poses the same threat Cristiano Ronaldo does, so I think
we need to look elsewhere for a hero-in-waiting.
Identical replacements for players are hard to find,
although I’m sure Antonio Valencia will be a hit at Old Trafford
next season. The players that define a team come in different
forms, and positions. There are several candidates in the current
Reds squad to take over Ronaldo’s crown. Wayne Rooney is a prime
contender, displaying all the qualities to characterise the way
this Reds team plays, and he will be United’s most important player
next season, no doubt. Elsewhere, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic
epitomise the team’s classy and aggressive brand of defensive
solidarity.
Owen Hargreaves is another potentially influential component of the
side - and getting him fit again remains one of the most
important targets of the summer for Sir Alex Ferguson. Hargreaves,
more than anyone in the squad – perhaps with the exception of the
outstanding and still underrated Darren Fletcher – performs that
crucial role of disrupting opposition attacks, before restarting
the United assaults.
But there’s one other player I believe has the charisma,
personality and ability to define this team for years to come:
Anderson. He rapidly earned respect among United supporters in a
hugely impressive first season at OT but, after a disrupted summer
and one or two niggling injuries throughout the campaign, we only
saw glimpses of his talent last term.
There isn’t always time or patience for transition at United, and
with Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez departed, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs
edging towards the end of their careers, there’s a vacancy that
Anderson seems primed to fill.
Sir Alex once told me that when he had Anderson watched at FC Porto
he had to temper the excitable reports he received back from
his scouts, who were queuing up to lavish grand praise on the young
Brazilian’s shoulders. Best young midfielder in the world, some
said. Now could be the time to prove it.
Yes, he hasn’t scored yet (apart from in penalty shoot-outs, of
course), but that will come. For a player of his skill and passing
accuracy, it’s only a matter of acquiring the composure that comes
with age to overcome his stuttering record in front of goal. When
one goes in, plenty more could follow – and can you imagine
his goal celebrations? He promised (or threatened) to tear his
shirt off and run round the pitch when he finally breaks his
duck.
His goal tally is only a minor issue, it’s his energy, skill and
vision that are his greatest assets to United. It’s time for
Anderson to step forward; next season he has to, and I’m sure he
will.