Anderson signs new four and a half year deal at Old Trafford

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder, Anderson, has singed a new four-and-a-half year contract following a string of improved performances.

Arguably the best player in a United shirt on Monday night, at home to Arsenal, the Brazilian midfielder has shown a level of consistency that has deserted him thus far in his fledgling United career.

Following a car crash in Portugal prior to the start of the season, doubts were cast over Anderson's future as it was alleged that he had been partying into the early hours with friends while recovering from a serious knee ligament injury. Given Sir Alex Ferguson's stance on this type of behaviour one can only assume that Anderson was subject to a serious dressing down on his return to Manchester. Perhaps this is what was needed.

Up until this point it would be fair to say that Anderson has flattered to deceive and that his consistency and level of performances have not been up to the standard expected of a Manchester United player. But, to gain some grain of perspective, he is only 22 years of age and, when he was signed from FC Porto, he arrived as an attacking midfield player. Since making his debut for the Red Devils he has been deployed as a defensive midfielder, restricting his natural attacking tendencies.

This could offer an explanation as to why he has only scored twice in his United career, one of which was a week ago in United's 1-1 draw with Valencia in the Champions League. It may also provide an explanation as to why it has taken until now, since arriving in 2007, for him to flourish. Though it may not be a coincidence that Anderson's improving performances have come at a time where he has been allowed a little more freedom to roam forward in support of the strikers.

Anderson was instrumental in United's 8-1 humiliation of Blackburn Rovers although this will be remembered, rightfully, for Dimitar Berbatov's five-goal haul. He was also present in United's horror show at Upton Park whereby the Carling Cup holders were on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline; Anderson was the only player to receive praise for his performance, Ferguson stating in his post-match interview that "Anderson was the only player up to standard tonight".

As mentioned previously, Anderson's following appearance resulted in a rare goal, and a display that received praise from this blog, versus Valencia.

Whilst it would be premature to throw superlatives at Anderson for his recent performances in the heart of the United midfield, there are signs that his attitude and application have improved. This can only be a good thing as the team enter a potentially decisive period of the Premier League season.