Brazilian to be Shown the Door by Manchester United – Report

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to have run out of patience with midfielder Anderson after holding talks about the potential sale of the Brazilian.

Goal.com has reported that Ferguson has become frustrated at Anderson's lack of development over the last few seasons which have been blighted by numerous injuries.

Having joined the club in the summer of 2007 from Porto, Anderson has only once made more than 20 appearances in the league, and that was in his first season at the club.

Last season he made just 16 appearances in all competitions as injuries and a loss of form once again prevented him from gaining a regular run in the side.

Now it seems as though Ferguson was ready to try and cash-in during the summer transfer window after learning that there was interest from Premier League side Tottenham and Portuguese giants Benfica.

The report on Goal.com believes that Ferguson would want to recoup the majority of the £18million United paid for the services of the 24-year-old as he looks to bolster his options in midfield.

The Scot did raise question marks over the future of the Brazil international back in April after another injury hit season.

"He hasn't really realised his potential, which is there for all to see," said Ferguson. "He is a fantastic footballer. I just hope he doesn't have the bad luck that Michael Owen has had throughout his career."

With Anderson under contract until 2015, United do not need to rush through a sale and may therefore decide to see if the midfielder can impress this season.

However, it is clear that Manchester United will eventually have to find a long-term replacement for Paul Scholes and they may need to sell some players in order to generate the right amount of capital.

There is even a suggestion that Tottenham's new £15million signing Moussa Dembele was considered as a possible replacement for Anderson, before he decided to move to White Hart Lane.