Former Man Utd player claims he "could've been best in world" with "five per cent of Ronaldo's mentality"

Former Manchester United midfielder Anderson has claimed he could have been one of the best players in the world - with five per cent of Cristiano Ronaldo's mentality.

The Brazil international signed for Sir Alex Ferguson's United from Porto in July 2007, at the age of 19. The fee was around £20 million.

As one of the biggest talents in world football, plenty was expected of the midfielder, and he was given the number eight shirt upon arrival at Old Trafford.

He won the player of the tournament award at the 2005 U17 World Cup, and was also tracked by both Real Madrid and Chelsea. Then, after over a year at United, he won the 2008 Golden Boy award.

But Anderson's time at the club overall failed to work out as hoped, with the Brazilian making 20 or more Premier League appearances in just one of the eight seasons he was at the club - his promising first campaign. Injuries took their toll, and his mentality was questioned, with former team-mate Michael Owen stating in an interview with SportsJOE: "He loved being out there with a ball at his feet but he did not bother about weights, or anything really.

"Him getting back from injuries was often a slow process. He was a really good player but if he had that driven mentality, he could have been great."

Meanwhile, former Red Devils right-back Rafael once said (quotes via Daily Mirror): "He picked up a lot of big injuries and then his problems with eating the way he did started to affect him.

"It was no coincidence that his best form came when he had a lot of games because that was when he couldn't eat so much."

Anderson eventually departed United in 2015 having fallen out of favour under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. He made 181 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and winning nine trophies, including the 2008 Champions League.

He retired from playing in 2020, and is now assistant manager at Turkish Super Lig club Adana Demirspor.

Now 34, the Brazilian believes he could have been a better player.

Anderson on Man Utd

Speaking to Spanish outlet Sport, Anderson explained: "If I had five per cent of the mentality of Cristiano Ronaldo, I could have been among the best in the world.

"I assume it now. I had talent, quality. With a little more head... I had a nice career because I won many things, but I could have gone much further. You have to be honest. With five per cent of Cristiano... I would still play at the first level now, easily.

"I regret not having been a little professional, of not having listened to the people who recommended me and spoke to me.

"Rafael tells the truth, I can't be a hypocrite.

"If I had been more focused on football... I had plenty of quality. My head didn't help. Over time, you realise things. Things change. Today, any very physical player who knows how to run a lot is worth it. He doesn't have to think as much."