ANDERSON'S senior international debut won't prevent the Home Office rejecting United's work permit application for their new Brazilian star.

But the former Porto wonder boy showed enough flashes of brilliance to make any future appeal a formality.

Anderson was introduced as a half-time substitute against Mexico when the defending champions began their Copa America defence in Venezuela.

And while Brazil slumped to a 2-0 defeat the 19-year-old midfielder looked a class act.

A United spokesman confirmed to MEN Sport that the club is still waiting for an initial decision from the Home Office.

Appeal

But the Reds fully expect they will need to appeal against a likely rejection.

Non European players are required to have featured in 75 per cent of their country's games in the last two years to qualify for a permit.

To obtain special dispensation United will need to show Anderson possesses exceptional talents that will enhance the Premiership.

There was certainly enough evidence of that on display against the Mexicans.

And with a minimum of two further games against Chile and Ecuador, Sir Alex Ferguson will be setting his video to obtain the necessary further proof.

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