Anderson injury blow 'to force Man United into transfer market'

Posted Saturday, November 26, 2011 by Metro.co.uk

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson could be forced into the January transfer market for a midfielder after Anderson was ruled out until February with a knee injury.

The Brazilian will join Tom Cleverley on the treatment table at Old Trafford, and with Ashley Young and Darren Fletcher still returning to match fitness, the club may be tempted to spend some money in the January sales.

Ferguson said: 'Anderson is not fit until February; he's gone to see a specialist in Portugal about his knee.

'We didn't expect that and it's a blow.'

Injuries in United's midfield could lead the Old Trafford boss to resume his interest in Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder as a replacement for Anderson.

Anderson injury blow 'to force Man United into transfer market'
KO blow: Anderson out until February

The Dutchman came close to a move to Old Trafford in the summer, but his wage demands became a stumbling block for the deal.

However, with United's squad depleted through injuries and populated by a raft of untested youngsters, the playmaker could provide the experience Sir Alex needs to overhaul the current Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan is also rumoured to be on Manchester United's shopping list after impressing in two games against the club in the Champions League this season.