Anderson Does Not Work Hard Enough

Anderson stated that in order to succeed at United, you only have to work hard. Well, he either didn't work hard enough or it's not enough in itself.

Anderson's talent is not in question. He's proved at Gremio and at Porto that he's one of the brightest prospects in the game at the moment.

At United he also proved that he can adhere to tactical instructions and is able to play with the discipline required at such a big club. His performances quickly endeared him to the fans and we already have a chant about Anderson something he's proud of.

'A team with players like Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes and other star players, you don't need to do much, only work hard,' he said.

'That's something I do and if I have the chance I will try to help my team the best that I can and make the most of the moment.'

But it was not enough for him to keep his place in the team. I understand that he is not a starter at such a crucial stage - after all, he's inexperienced - and I'm aware that he's had an injury , too.

He changed the game as a substitute against Arsenal but it looks like Fergie was disappointed with his performance at Chelsea though he was one of our best players on the pitch - or at least I felt that.

The fact is, though, that Anderson sat on the bench against West Ham but even when Scholes was brought off for a rest, O'Shea was sent on to play in central midfield. It was little short of public humiliation.

Anderson didn't even make the cut at Wigan, as Fergie opted for the returning Louis Saha who is almost certain to be sold in the summer. Something about Anderson must have provoked Fergie's wrath - it could have been a lack of discipline or just the gaffer feels that the boy's ego is growing at an alarming rate, I don't know.

But I do not think that the headline is true. Anderson, unusually for a Brazilian, works hard enough: his enthusiasm ensures that. But we'll have much thinking to do if he fails to make 18-man-squad for the final.