Anderson: This Is My Time

A first full, and successful, pre-season has given Anderson a regular chance to shine in the Reds' midfield and he hasn’t disappointed. The Brazilian has started every league game so far this season but, as he told United Review and ManUtd.com, he knows he has to keep working hard to hold off the engine-room competition...

United have made the best start to a season ever under Sir Alex this term. From a personal point of view, would you say the same applies to you?
Yes, you can say it’s been my best start because I’ve never played say, five or six games, consecutively, at the beginning of a season. It’s been great to stay in the side and help make a big contribution. We’ve played very well as a team so far, and even when the boss has changed things, the players that have come in have done well and we’ve continued to play good football.

You look to have started the season in good shape…
Definitely. I’ve trained well, looked after myself, and I feel like this is my time now. The boss has given me a chance… it’s important I take it and show everyone why I’m here.

Presumably getting a full pre-season under your belt was a real benefit?
It was so important, because I’ve never had one full pre-season at the club. It’s my first one in four years here and I’ve really noticed the difference. In the past I’ve had a lot of injuries, but this year I feel fine, and I know I will get better. I felt good going into the season, but in a few more weeks, with more games, I know I will feel even stronger.

Have you set yourself any particular targets this term?
I’ve set myself a few. One particular aim is to score at least 10 goals. I’m going to try my very best to score more.

With the retirement of Paul Scholes, did you feel that this was going to be a big season for you?
I think it’s a big season for everyone, not just me. Some players have left the club and others have come in, but we are still focused on being successful. We want to win the title again and get to another Champions League final – and win it this time. For me, I don’t just want to make an impact at the start of the season. I want to make an impact for the whole season – that is my aim.

Do you think you can take on the role that Scholesy played here?
All of our midfielders feel extra responsibility now because Scholesy was a fantastic player. I learnt a lot from him. He was amazing to play with. It’s hard to achieve what Scholes did, but my aim is to follow what he did for the team. I have grown up a lot since I joined the club and things have gone well so far this season, but I still don’t feel like I’m first choice. I know I have to work hard every single day for my place in the team because there are so many quality players in my position… Fletch, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs, Gibbo... I know that I have to keep improving in training so I’m ready for each game.

Before he got injured, your partnership with Tom Cleverley seemed to be thriving…
Tom is an amazing player who has great quality. Sometimes players go out on loan and it doesn’t work out, but Tom has learnt so much from the experience and come back strong. All the midfielders bring something different to the team – it’s great for the boss to have so many combinations.

Have you enjoyed the influx of young players this season?
It’s been good for everyone – not just the younger players themselves, but the experienced guys as well. The fantastic thing about this squad is the understanding between everyone, and the fact that we all know what the boss wants us to do. It’s great to have that mix of youth and experience. We have an amazing group and I think we can go far together.