Anderson is battling to stay with Manchester United.

The Brazil midfielder was left out of United's squad for tonight's Champions League tie at AC Milan.

The Times says the Brazilian has been frozen out by Ferguson, this being the sixth successive squad that the 21-year-old has been omitted from since he was fined a week's wages for skipping training and returning to his homeland three weeks ago.

Sources close to Anderson have conceded that Ferguson is "not happy" with the player but he is expected to come back into contention for the Barclays Premier League game against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Anderson is keen to stay at Old Trafford, but the manager will consider the player's position in the summer if there is not a marked improvement in his performances and attitude before the end of the season.

Lyons and Paris Saint-Germain inquired about taking him on loan last month but neither French club could reach an agreement with United, mainly because of the player's wage demands.