Anderson: I am at crossroads

After a troubled two-and-a-half years, the Brazilian midfielder has said that what he does over the next few weeks will be crucial in determining his Old Trafford future  Manchester United midfielder Anderson has said that he faces a crucial stage in his career at Old Trafford, and that the next few weeks will determine his future. The Brazilian is under contract until 2015, and despite suffering from a number of fitness and off-field problems, he believes he can recover and come back better than ever. "The last two years have been very difficult," he told reporters. "No-one wants a player who has a lot of injuries. "But I am still young. I am only 24. And I believe I can get through this. "All summer I stayed in Europe to work on my knee. Now I am 100%. I don't have any more injuries. I don't have a problem." Now, with pre-season preparations well underway in the Red Devils’ tour of South Africa, Anderson believes this season is one of the most important in his career so far. He added: "This is a very big season for me. "In my first three years we won everything; Champions League, Premier League, Carling Cup. But then I suffered a cruciate injury and had a bad problem. "I tried to push through it when I came back but it was still sore. Sometimes it was bad and the pain stayed. "Sometimes you think you might have to change clubs but I love it here. "The club has always helped me, as have the other players. I have worked so hard trying to get right." Last season, Manchester United looked depleted in the centre of midfield, but the Brazilian believes that he could play a key role in adding to their resources in that position. "Manchester United have some good players; Scholes, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs," he said. "If we bring in new players it will help even more, although you could say that about any club. "The thing is, if I stay fit, I can be that player. I can be a success at United. "You have seen, when I don't have a problem, I play well. "The problems come when I have an injury. After six or seven games last season it felt as though one leg was 30% weaker than the other." Manchester United’s pre-season preparations are well underway, and they next face Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on July 25th at the Shanghai Stadium.