Former Manchester United midfielder Anderson has revealed he played through the pain barrier for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Anderson admits he saw Ferguson as a father figure.

He told Goal: "I was very lucky to meet Alex Ferguson at the beginning of my journey. He is the God of football. For his sake, I played through injuries, I remained on the field, even when it seemed that my leg was about to break.

"I felt like he was taking care of me. When I was 18, he trusted me in top games, and I have no words to express my gratitude to him. My career at Manchester United ended with Ferguson's departure. (David) Moyes did not trust me anymore."