Anderson is confident he can re-establish himself at Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted earlier this month that the Brazilian had been unfortunate not to feature more often in 2012/13, with Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes excelling in midfield.

"It feels good to hear that," Anderson told United Review.

"I believe in myself and it's nice to hear the boss say things like that. It's been one game here and one game there and a bit up and down, but my aim is to just keep progressing and to play consistently."

The midfielder knows all he can do is master his fitness and wait for openings, saying: "If I can stay fit and play well I know I'll get opportunities. I'm really trying to look after myself and get as fit as I can.

"In the past I might have had the odd niggle but just wanted to keep on playing. Eventually, though, that caught up with me. I understand now that if I'm not 100 per cent fit then I have to wait because I will still get opportunities.

"It's hard because as a footballer you don't want to miss any games, but in the past I've tried to push myself and have ended up with more injury problems. I now understand that I need to be completely right."