Berbatov, Owen to headline Man Utd clearout

Manchester United are set for a mini clearout this summer.

The Mirror says Dimitar Berbatov looks like being the most high-profile departure from Manchester United, after chief David Gill confirmed the squad would be overhauled.

Berbatov, the club’s record £30.75million signing, can leave this summer and he could be followed by fellow strikers Michael Owen - whose contract is up in June - Bebe and Federico Macheda, plus midfielder Anderson.

Anderson key as Man Utd go for Benfica pair Gaitan and Witsel

Manchester United may cut loose Anderson to do a deal with Benfica for Axel Witsel.

Benfica are ready to agree terms with United over swap involving Nicolas Gaitan after the Premier League giants agreed to include Fabio Da Silva and Anderson in the deal.

Record says Anderson's arrival will help Benfica cover the sale of Witsel, who is interesting United, along with Manchester City and Chelsea.

Anderson and Fabio will move to Benfica on-loan, but the former could join in a permanent deal in exchange for Belgium international Witsel.

Anderson back in Man Utd training six weeks ahead of schedule

Anderson has returned to training at Manchester United - six weeks ahead of schedule.

The Daily Star Sunday says Anderson is making a speedy recovery from a knee ligament injury. It had been expected he would be out until February.

But he’s already back in training, working with United’s medical staff.

It’s welcome news for manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose shortage of midfield options increased last week when Darren Fletcher was ruled out indefinitely.

Anderson explains his smile tactics at free-kicks

Anderson admits there's method to his madness in his positioning for free-kicks.

Anderson admits he tries to get the opposition goalkeeper to laugh - so to put them off.

Asked why he stands in the line of sight of keepers, Anderson told manutd.com: "To try to make them laugh. And that moment, that’s hopefully when our player scores – like Rooney did against Arsenal.

"It’s something I thought of doing for a bit of fun, and it’s worked a few times."

Anderson convinced he can replace Scholes

Anderson insists he's the man to replace Paul Scholes in Manchester United's midfield.

The Brazil midfielder has told manager Sir Alex Ferguson to save his money and back him.

“I think I’m already there,” he told ManUtd.com. “I’ve played well for Manchester United in the past and I’m confident I have the quality to play in the position of Scholes.

“He was an unbelievable player – of course I understand that – but I think I’ve learnt a lot from him. I think of him like my teacher. He’s helped me a lot.”

Carlos Alberto: Man Utd star Anderson can be best in world

Brazilian legend Carlos Alberto is convinced Manchester United midfielder Anderson can be the world's best - if he is played to his strengths.

With United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hoping to rebuild his midfield as Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs near the end of their careers, Anderson is expected to live up to his price tag and early reputation.

Alberto is convinced he can do that – if United play to his strengths.

“In Brazil, we compared him to Ronaldinho because he is a very skilled player,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “But over here, he seems to be playing more defensively and this is not the best way for him to play.

“I hope they change their ideas and give him a free role. Then he can start to show just how good he is.

“He has shown at times how good he can be but if Sir Alex gives him freedom to play, he is going to show that he can be one of the best players in the world.

“Any good Brazilian player can play here or in any other country. They only need to have some time because when they come over here they change their style and the tactics.

“If they are given a chance to get used to it they will prove that they are good players.

“The example is Anderson. He came from Brazil and they changed his position. It takes time but they can prove that they can play here.”

Kia wants to deliver Anderson to Corinthians

Kia Joorabchian wants to bring Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez back to Brazil.

Joorabchian has claimed a trio of big name Premier League stars could soon be on their way to South America - with Manchester City  striker Tevez leading the way.

Speaking to Brazilian TV station TV Gazeta, Joorabchian - who represents Tevez - outlined his ambitious plans for the club he used to run,Corinthians:

"I want to help Corinthians in their sporting quest and I can guarantee that Carlos Tevez would be happy to return to Brazil and play for Corinthians," said Joorabchian.

"Ideally I would like a deal to be done swiftly, but in reality it will probably take time. I also want to bring in three more players to make this the best club in the Americas. My desire would be to get Huerelho Gomes [of Tottenham], Anderson [Manchester United] and Nilmar [Villarreal].

"Money will not be a problem. Carlos loves Brazil and I think this is all very feasible," the agent finished.

Anderson keen to team up with Porto star, Hulk at Man Utd

Anderson would love to see Hulk at Old Trafford.

Anderson has welcomed rumours linking the Porto striker with United.

Anderson left Hulk's current club in 2007 to join the Red Devils and the 22-year-old midfielder is keen for his Brazilian colleague to follow suit..

"He has quality, would suit English football and I think he is good enough to do well at a big club," said the United midfielder..

"If it was my decision then I would sign him but Sir Alex Ferguson signs the players and his knowledge would mean he knows all about the player."

Anderson: Video games my hidden talent!

Anderson has revealed his hidden talent - video games!

Teammate Nani plays the piano, while Dimitar Berbatov enjoys drawing and sketching.

But Anderson told manutd.com: "It’s important to relax, so I spend a lot of time on my PlayStation. I play mainly football games, but I like shooting ones, too. I also play cards, watch films and spend time with my friends.

"Let me tell you that Nani isn’t very good on the piano. He’s hopeless! I didn’t know about Berba’s drawing… My talents? I’m good at video games. Does that count?"

Anderson: My hair is my life and How England can win World Cup.

Anderson has ruled out any talk of shaving his head inside the Manchester United dressing room.

The midfielder insists the mane will remain.

"There is no chance I would ever consider having all my hair cut off," he said.

"My hair is my life. It is so important to me. If you cut off my hair, it is like cutting out my heart or cutting off my legs. I would cry for days and days."

Anderson also offered England some advice on how they can win the World Cup.

Anderson says English players run too much.

"Fitness is a priority but it is more important to make the ball do the work," he told United Review. "You don't need to run all over the pitch. It is much better to pass the ball well from one point to another.

"It can move faster than you can, so you should keep football simple and pass the ball as much as possible.

"In England, sometimes people think you aren't very good if you don't run around a lot.

"But I think that is one of the reasons why England don't do very well at World Cup finals. They run around too much."

New contract for Anderson...so a new flashy car follows as well..

Anderson has rewarded himself for his good form with a brand new motor.

The Brazilian, 22, has been spotted out and about in a brand new Mercedes SLS — worth a whopping £160,000.

But whether the Old Trafford starlet has learned from his previous experience behind the wheel remains to be seen.

Anderson had a lucky escape last August when he was hauled from the wreckage of his Audi R8 after it crashed into a wall in Portugal.

Ferguson confident Rafael and Anderson can replace Neville and Scholes and says Bebe will be a striker!

Sir Alex Ferguson sees Rafael da Silva as his long-term right-back.

Gary Neville has made just four appearances in all competitions this season and his loss of pace was exposed at West Brom last Saturday, with the 35-year-old fortunate not to be sent off and concede a penalty following a badly-time challenge on Graham Dorrans.

Rafael, in contrast, has emerged as first-choice right-back with Ferguson admitting that the 20 year-old has made impressive progress in recent months.

“Injury opens doors and the succession of setbacks suffered by Gary Neville has provided Rafael with more opportunities than he perhaps expected at this stage of his career,” Ferguson said.

“He is one of several players who have moved their careers forward when they have been brought into the team.”

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson says Bebe's long-term future will be at striker.

Bebe signed for United from Vitoria Guimaraes as a winger.

However, the Telegraph says Ferguson claimed last week that Bebe, the Portuguese winger, is now being moulded into a central striker.

Bebe is being groomed to provide competition for Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov alongside Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez and Federico Macheda.

Besides, SAF reckons Anderson can become heir apparent to United legend Paul Scholes.

Scholes, 36, is in the twilight of his career and Fergie believes Brazilian youngster Anderson has what it takes to fill the midfielder’s boots.

Fergie said: “Anderson’s form has gone up a notch. I was delighted he signed a new contract before Christmas.

“He knows he should score more goals and if, and when, he does he, will undoubtedly become a top player.

“He is still only 22, he has electric pace from a standing start and great appetite for the ball, which he can work out of very tight situations.

“Opponents can never rest easy when he is buzzing around them.

“Injury to Paul has given him an extended run that he has grabbed and long-term I hope he can prove to be Paul’s successor.

“It’s a big ask to reach that level and the challenge will test his confidence, but someone will have to step up to the plate one day.”

New Man Utd deal for Anderson worth £70,000-a-week

Anderson has enjoyed a bumper pay-rise at Manchester United.

The Daily Star says the Brazilian midfielder had repeatedly been linked with the Old Trafford exit after becoming unhappy at his limited first-team role.

But Anderson has now signed a new four-and-a-half- year deal worth around £70,000 a week and claims he wouldn’t swap United for anyone else.

AC Milan and Lazio were both hoping to take advantage of Anderson’s frustration with his lack of playing time at United.

But Anderson scored in their recent Champions League draw with Valencia and then started the win against Arsenal which sent United top of the league.

Anderson: Man Utd pal Bebe eating me out of house and home!

Anderson admits Manchester United teammate Bebe is eating him out of house and home!

The Brazilian has taken Bebe under his wing since the youngster's shock arrival in August.

"He's living with me and eats all the food!" Anderson joked. "I have to stop him because we keep running out of food at home.

"But he's a good lad and a great friend. We are trying to integrate him intoManchester United and the Premier League, which is not easy because it is very different.

"But he is training well."

Alex Ferguson: Anderson came close to leaving last season

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Anderson came close to leaving last season.

The 22-year-old endured a difficult campaign, scarred by poor form, and was tipped in some quarters to be eased out of Old Trafford during the January transfer window.

In the end, he stayed where he was, only to suffer a cruciate knee ligament injury during a Premier League win over West Ham in February.

Happily, Anderson is now on the road to recovery and began training.

It means a return to duty is not far away, with Ferguson hoping the break has allowed the midfielder to re-assess his future.

"Anderson has an incredible talent," said Ferguson. "He loves training and playing. He wants to play every game and train every day.

"But that is a problem for me because at 22 he has not got the maturity to understand we operate a squad here.

"When he does understand that, he will be a fantastic player here but last season he was talking about leaving because he was not playing in every game."

Rather than put his arm around the player's shoulder, Ferguson opted to stand well back from someone who first made his mark with FC Porto in the hope that common sense would eventually prevail.

In that sense, Anderson's extended break came at a good time, with Ferguson now believing the player can fulfill his massive potential.

"Maybe it is a good thing he has been injured for a spell because he can look at the situation," said Ferguson. "In some ways, I don't want to change his mentality because it is wonderful to see someone who wants to play every minute of every day.

"If you have someone with that enthusiasm, you have to be careful you don't check it to the point when you lose it. I didn't talk to him about leaving. I just let him get it out of his system. Maybe the injury has quelled the storm in his body because he came back here with the same enthusiasm and has been telling me he is ready to play.

"Everyone has seen the quality in his game and he will get his opportunity."

Anderson cheated death as he survives horror car crash

Manchester United star Anderson was recovering last night after being dragged unconscious from the burning wreckage of a sports car, seconds before it exploded.

The Sun reports the "lifeless" Brazilian international, 22, was pulled to safety after the £125,000 Audi R8 car hit a wall in Portugal with witnesses reporting the player saying he owed them his life. He had been recuperating after treatment to a knee injury.

The Audi R8 sports car, with Anderson’s male friend at the wheel, slid off the road and hit a wall before flying 100 feet through the air and landing in a field.

He is said to have spent several hours in hospital with "concussion, whiplash and shock". Hospital spokesman Roman Fresco said: "They had only minor injuries. The girl needed more care, but for little things.'

The smash, being probed by cops, happened in the Geres area of Braga. A man and young Brazilian woman were also reported to have been in the two-seater car. It was not known who was driving.

A spokesman for Anderson said he'd suffered "an almighty scare".