Sir Alex Ferguson

Anderson is in line for his 13th Premier League start on Saturday – with Sir Alex Ferguson hailing his Brazilian youngster as a star of the future.

Ferguson admitted Anderson got into his team only because of injury to Paul Scholes in October.

But the Manchester United boss immediately realised he had an exceptional talent on his books.

“When Paul got his injury it was a blow for us and opened the door for Anderson – and we discovered a boy who had talent,” he said.

“It may otherwise have turned out that Anderson would have had to wait, just getting the odd game here and there, which may not have helped him develop as we have seen.

“This boy missed pre-season training because of the Copa America. He has just emerged from the shadows and, because of him, we see the future is strong for us in that position.”

Anderson, 20, was unknown in England when United signed him and Nani in a summer double swoop in Portugal.

But he has quickly established himself as an equal contender for a place in United’s quality-packed central midfield, along with Scholes, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves.

Ferguson, who is likely to restore Anderson to the team at Fulham after leaving him out of the 5-1 win at Newcastle, said: “Anderson is not like Scholes entirely.

“He’s more of an aggressive, running player.

“He’s quicker than Scholes, more of the type to run forward from midfield with the ball, whereas Scholes will do it without the ball.”