Anderson Credits 'Tough Love'

Anderson believes his up-and-down relationship with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has made him into a better player.

The 22-year-old was recently handed a new four-and-a-half-year contract at United as reward for a strong start to the season.

It had looked like Anderson would leave the club last season after struggling at times since his arrival from Porto in 2007.

Some poor performances, coupled with a lack of goals and personal problems, saw the midfielder fall down the pecking order, yet the player credits his run-ins with his manager as turning him into the player he is today.

"Sir Alex has always offered me advice from the day I arrived, in the good and the bad moments," Anderson told The Sun.

"Many times he was unhappy with my work but that only added extra incentive to me.

"The coach wanted to see my reaction, it wasn't negative and my relationship with him is good.

"After my injury I worked so hard and made a big effort to get chances in the team. Sir Alex gave me confidence too and helped increase my performance.

"For me he is the best coach in the world because he is so direct with us and is clear in what he wants us to do."