The 24-year-old still believes he has the necessary ability to play for the league leaders but says he needs to be playing games regularly to show his real talent

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has revealed his frustrated at the stop-start nature of his Old Trafford career.

Monday’s start against Reading in the FA Cup was just the 12 th this season, with the likes of Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick and even centre-back Phil Jones preferred in a central-midfield role.

Anderson does, however, note that injuries have been a large contributor to his sporadic outings, but says the situation is “sad”.

“When I take two steps forward I seem to take three back,” Anderson is quoted as saying by The Independent.

“It is sad but I have to do my job. I need to play games and not to have any injuries.

“I have had some problems. But when I don’t have these problems I know my quality. I know I can play.”

Anderson came on for six minutes in the 1-1 draw against Real Madrid last Wednesday and with Jones already ruled out of the weekend trip to bottom-of-the-table QPR, the Brazilian is hoping a spot may open up for the game on Saturday.

He added: “The boss can change it all the time. That is the way it should be at Manchester United.

“But this is Manchester United. All the players want to play, me and others.”