Ferguson tells why hired Anderson in 2007
Brother of former Manchester United ensured that Brazilian, still in Oporto, had more talent than English. Club gave the Inter player after years of ostracism
In his autobiography Sir Alex Ferguson explains why he hired Anderson in 2007. His brother had ensured him that the Brazilian, at the time plying his trade at FC Porto, had more talent than England’s Wayne Rooney.
Here are the relevant excerpts from the book.
“Carlos Queiroz, through his contacts in Portugal, told us that there was a boy in Porto, Brazilian, called Anderson. He was 16 or 17 years. We decided to have a look. One day he was playing, the other day he wasn’t. A game here, another appearance from the bench there. Then he faced us in a friendly tournament in Amsterdam and we decided to hire him, but the following week he broke his leg.”
Once he completed his recovery, I send Martin (brother of Ferguson and head of the Manchester United scouts) to see every game during four or five weeks. Martin said, “Alex, he is better than Rooney.” I said, “For God’s sake, do not tell me that. He must be very good to be better than Rooney.” Martin was firm. At that time Anderson played behind the striker.
At the end of the season, we decided to hire him both him and Nani.”
