Sir Alex Ferguson's £17m teenager delayed a move to Old Trafford because of the intensity of the task ahead.
But now he is ready for the challenge and eventually to make up ground on Ronaldinho.
Anderson is now a Brazilian international colleague of the Barcelona genius and could make the first step on the road to imitating his mentor tonight at Portsmouth.
The 19-year-old Reds newcomer has yet to make his competitive bow for United following pre-season friendlies at Doncaster and Glentoran.
But a squad place is on the cards at Fratton Park when the comparisons with Ronaldinho could begin in England if he makes a major impact.
Similarities have already been drawn when he was at Porto.
"I feel very proud by those comparisons but you have to remember that Ronaldinho is an established top class footballer who has been named the best player in the world twice," says Anderson.
Honour
"He's a great guy and a good friend of mine, but no two players are the same - Ronaldinho is Ronaldinho and Anderson is Anderson.
"It's an honour to play alongside him, it's something every footballer in the world would like to do. He's a great player and I hope one day I can reach the level he is at now."
The only previous Brazilian to pull on a Reds jersey was Kleberson. He had his debut in August 2003 but a broken collar bone after two matches and later in his debut campaign a knee ligament injury meant his Old Trafford career got off to a sticky start and it never improved.
But Anderson at least has the assistance of Cristiano Ronaldo to ease his introduction to life in England.
"I'm good friends with Cristiano and he told me about the club and what a great place it is," Anderson said.
"Joining United is a dream come true for any footballer in the world. I'm really excited to be here and hope I can do well.
"I heard about United's interest some time ago through my agent but we thought it would be better for me to wait a little bit longer.
"I can't wait to play my first game at Old Trafford," he added. "It will be amazing, not just for me but for my family as well.
"As a young boy it was always my dream to play for a big European club. I was lucky enough to do it with FC Porto and now I'm at United."
With a possible senior competitive debut on the cards tonight on the South Coast and potential involvement in the big derby clash at Eastlands on Sunday, Anderson's first Old Trafford bow could come against Spurs a week on Sunday.
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lets hope he can be anywhere near as good! he does look to have the potential. lets start by a cracking game tonight against pompey please!
being compared to ronaldinho can wait to a few years down the line me thinks
He reminds me of a mini-me version of the predator!
Good luck Anderson. This kid looks to have everything. In a couple of years we could really have some team. Two Rooneys, Two Ronaldos and the next Ronaldinho !!!
I dont think this guy has what it takes to make it in the Prem. Far to much money for a nobody
Frankie...On what basis do you make that assessment, given that Anderson has played exactly O minutes of Premiership football?
Lets just hope Fergie gives him enough chances to show what he can do. If he continously finds Fletcher and O'Shea getting midfield slots ahead of him then i can see him throwing his toys out of the pram.
As for tonight, come on lads!! Lets not f*ck things up at Pompey again!!
Have to agree with Frankie at this moment in time. Had a glimpse of Anderson in pre-season against Glentoran and he didn't impress. It appeared to me that if he didn't watch his diet, the only Brazilian he was going to emulate was Ronaldo!!
The new Ronaldinho? Does that mean to the extent that he's got dodgy nashers?
Frankie S, I'd have to say your being a bit previous there! Although I think he'll fail because he looks a bit on the weak side.
Man, these bitters crack themselves up, don't they?
Still, supporting a team as woeful as City is it any wonder they seek entertainment elsewhere?
World under 17 player of the year, Brazilian International at 19, and the best player at Porto last year. Look forward to eating your words....
Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to eat my words, as he obviously would then have been a success. If the aforementioned situation arises, i will gladly incase them in some lightly buttered pastry, place them in the oven for 40 mins at gas mark 5, and then wash it all down with a nice cold pint of Red lager.
I think John O shea is much the better proven striker....Distin will be well scared of him.
Bout time Anderson is included in the squad. He definitely should compliment Nani and Tvez and should start the ball rolling in the net.
Bill
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