4 Feb 2015

Anderson leaves Manchester United

6:43 am on 4 February 2015

Manchester United have finally off-loaded midfielder Anderson on a free transfer to the Brazilian club, Internacional.

The now former Manchester United player Anderson.

The now former Manchester United player Anderson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract to return to his home city of Porto Alegre.

Anderson began his career at Internacional's city rivals Gremio in 2004 and moved to Porto when he was just 18.

He joined United from Porto in 2007 in a deal reportedly worth 50 million dollars and came on as a substitute in the 2008 Champions League final to help his team beat Chelsea on penalties.

Although he also won Premier League winner's medals, his Old Trafford career stalled as he suffered a succession of injuries and he made only 105 league appearances in nearly eight years at the club.

The Brazilian, who has played eight times for his country, was loaned to Italian club Fiorentina last year and played only two first-team games under manager Louis van Gaal this season.

Yesterday midfielder Darren Fletcher left Old Trafford on a free transfer to West Bromwich Albion.