Anderson’s career at Old Trafford was always hindered by injury, lack of fitness and off field problems

“Come in number 8, your time is up”. No doubt if number 8 did indeed stand up to look around at the park keeper, the boat would capsize and our former Brazilian pigeon chested midfielder would plunge into the lake. Yes, Anderson is finally moving on to pastures new, with Fiorentina securing the signature of a player who promised so much, but delivered very little in his six and a half years at Old Trafford.

The summer of 2007 seems a distant memory, when Reds were overjoyed to find at the end of May that United had acquired the services of two of the hottest young properties in Europe. Winger Nani from Sporting Lisbon and the Brazilian player maker Anderson from Porto. Sir Alex Ferguson would also add Carlos Tevez to an attacking arsenal that already consisted of the maturing Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. United would go onto win the European Cup and retain the Premier League title.

Wayward shooting, over eating, no look passing, long term injuries, ‘shitting on Fabreas’, brasses, samba dancing and that penalty in Moscow. A player who promised so much, who for one reason or another – but just didn’t deliver.