Anderson Interview

Manchester United ace Anderson insists he's no diver after his theatrics in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

"No, not at all,' protested Anderson to the Daily Mail. "I am young but I am very pure on the field. I do not try to trick people with my actions or practise any theatre. The theatre is for actors. I am a footballer and I just want to play. I saw the comments of the manager and I would rather concentrate on those.

"That makes me very happy because those words are coming from one of the best coaches in the world."

It is tempting to regard Anderson as the first Brazilian to play at Old Trafford, so miserable were the efforts of the World Cup-winner Kleberson during two seasons at the club between 2003 and 2005.

"I know the stories about the problems of the South Americans at Manchester United, but I believe that this season Carlos Tevez and I will break those," added Anderson. "A Brazilian should be able to triumph in any club in the world, including this one, so I won't make any excuses.

"I just want the chance to show my quality. I am Anderson, not Veron or Kleberson. This is the difference. Perhaps I have arrived with more ambition than those two did. I am happy with the way my stay in England has gone so far. The advice I have had from the manager has just been to work hard and wait for my chance."

Anderson says playing in midfield for United is "paradise".

"After seven months without playing because of my injury I am now in paradise. In Kiev, for example, I found that I played with comfort and without nerves and I was pleased about that.

"I was happy with the way the match went for me personally and that we managed to win the game as well. But the Ukrainians are not an easy rival to play. People said that the first game was a promenade but it wasn't like that for the players. This will be a tough game for us as well.

"I believe we have a great chance in the latter stages of the Champions League this season but these are the games we have to win if we are to get there."