Anderson’s injury means he is likely to be given more time to impress at Manchester United.

The Brazilian international enjoyed a fine debut season in England following his big-money move from Porto in 2007, but he has failed to reproduce such form.

It was believed that Anderson would be shown the door during the summer window, but a knee injury has ruled him out for six months, by which time the window will again been shut.

This has come as a blow for French giants Lyon, who were understood to be lining up an offer for the 21-year-old midfielder ahead of the 2010/11 season.

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