Anderson backed to shine

Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has backed Brazil midfielder Anderson to overcome the physical tribulations of the Premiership and enjoy "a great career" with Manchester United.

The English champions have agreed deals "in principle" to sign Anderson and winger Nani from Porto and Sporting Lisbon respectively, with Owen Hargreaves' arrival also imminent.

Pinto da Costa lamented the injury which left Anderson sidelined for much of the season but said: "I wish him happiness at Manchester United, he will have a great career there."

Anderson, 19, has long been touted as a star of the future in global football circles but found his progress curtailed by a serious knee injury inflicted by Benfica's Kostas Katsouranis last season.

"If he had stayed in Portugal we could not guarantee a similar challenge would never have happened again," he added, referring to the Katsouranis tackle.

"I am convinced it will not happen in the Premiership. English football is tough but not wicked."

Anderson joined Porto in January 2006 from Brazilian side Gremio, and has gone on to help the club win back-to-back SuperLiga titles.

Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz believes Anderson and Nani will combine with the club's already blossoming youngsters to form the basis of the Red Devils' future generation.

"It is a significant investment in Manchester United's prospects for the next 10 years," Queiroz told TVI television channel.

"It's worth imagining a forward line with (Wayne) Rooney, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, Anderson and Nani, these are players with enormous creativity."