Anderson happy to make sacrifices

Manchester United new boy Anderson is happy to push his Christmas turkey to one side in the pursuit of Premier League points at Sunderland on St Stephen's Day.

The Brazilian midfielder would normally be dreaming about spending the holiday period on Copacabana beach rather than the frozen coast of Wearside.

Yet, that is exactly where the 19-year-old will be heading on Wednesday as United look to leapfrog Arsenal at the Premier League summit - if only for a couple of hours - by beating Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Festive football is a new experience for Anderson, whose flourishing career encompassed a couple of years at Gremio before a move to Europe with FC Porto, from where he was signed by United for £17m (€23.38m) last summer.

Yet, while the idea takes a bit of getting used to, the samba star is happy to make the necessary sacrifices.

"I think I know what to expect because my team-mates have kept telling me how tough it is to play so many games at one time," he said.

"It is a completely new experience for me. I would usually be on the beach by now. But for once, I will have to leave my turkey on the plate and get ready to play football instead."

After a delayed start to his United career, caused by his appearance at Copa America and a minor hamstring injury picked up during pre-season, Anderson's time at Old Trafford almost stalled before it had got off the starting grid.

The teenager was part of the side stunned by Coventry in the Carling Cup, with suggestions arising immediately after the game that the player might be making a quick exit from the Theatre of Dreams.

Those rumours were quickly dispelled by Ferguson, while Anderson admitted he was never seriously concerned for his future.

"That match was very difficult," he said.

"But I was well aware the club knew what they were buying when they brought me here.

"A player does not show what he is worth in one match. It happens over a period of time and I am sure eventually, the fans will see what I can do."

If recent performances are any guide, Alex Ferguson has unearthed a gem.

The twice-capped Brazil international has been excelling in the most demanding midfield arena of all and came out just on top in his personal duel with Stephen Gerrard in United's victory over Liverpool at Anfield a week ago.

Rather than shy away from the physical nature of the English game, Anderson appears to be revelling in it.

If he can add goalscoring to his repertoire, he could easily emulate the memorable feats of United's former midfield greats Bryan Robson, Paul Ince and Roy Keane.

"If you can do well in the Premier League you can do well anywhere because it is so hard here," he said.

"But I was well prepared for both the mental and physical challenge.

"I have become more confident with every game I play. Hopefully, that will continue because by the time I have finished here I want to be part of Manchester United's history."