Rooney at number 10 and Anderson gets on board

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Brazil midfielder Anderson was cleared to launch his Old Trafford career with immediate effect yesterday in another major boost for Manchester United's title defence.

There were fears the £18million teenage sensation could be heading for a season of frustration after the Home Office blocked his work permit application due to a lack of international caps.

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Perfect ten: Rooney takes the No 10 shirt from Law

The permit was granted on appeal after Old Trafford chiefs based their case on the 19-year-old's exceptional talent and recruited influential names to act as expert witnesses. Sportsmail understands United contacted Portugal boss Phil Scolari, Anderson's one-time Porto team-mate Benni McCarthy and Porto's coach Jesualdo Ferreira, and that all three submitted letters to the panel endorsing the attacking midfielder's rich promise.

The deputation from Old Trafford also argued that Anderson, who made his full international debut against Mexico in the Copa America earlier this week, would have had more Brazil caps but for his age. It means Anderson, signed along with Portugal Under-21 winger Nani last month, can link up with Sir Alex Ferguson's squad after the Copa America tournament and push for a starting place in an attacking United line-up.

Speaking prior to Brazil's latest campaign, Anderson said: "To join United at 19 is incredible. Everything will be different in England, but I am certain I will adjust quickly to life in new surroundings. I am proud and so are my family. For me, it seems like a dream come true."

As Wayne Rooney savoured the prospect of Anderson and Nani laying on even more chances for him next season, he took delivery of a new squad number.

Not any old number, either, but the No 10 made famous by undisputed king of Old Trafford Denis Law during a golden era in the 1960s.

"When I was offered the chance to wear the No 10 shirt, I jumped at it," he said. "Some of the game's greatest players have become legends wearing No 10, none more so than Denis. He was crowned king of the Stretford End during his time at the club, and it is a great honour for me to wear a shirt that has such history behind it."

Meanwhile, Ferguson is planning more signings ahead of the new campaign but will not be moving for Michael Owen or Jermain Defoe and is unlikely to try to lure Carlos Tevez from West Ham.

Tevez's goalscoring feats last season, including an Old Trafford winner on a dramatic final day, took Ferguson's eye, and it is understood he would consider taking the Argentina forward on loan. But with owner Kia Joorabchian looking to recoup some of his investment, and Real Madrid apparently ready to offer £25m, another temporary move appears unlikely.

Ferguson has also been told he has to offload before adding to his summer signings. There is a £6m Middlesbrough bid for Alan Smith on the table but the player is expected to reject the move when he returns from holiday next week.

Everton have expressed interest in winger Kieran Richardson, and United will be hoping the Goodison Park club still have enough funds, after completing their anticipated £4m signing of Sheffield United's Phil Jagielka, to follow up with a move for long-term target Smith.

Liverpool are ready to try to hijack Real Madrid's £6m move for United defender Gabriel Heinze. Real look to have edged ahead of Juventus in the race for Heinze, but Liverpool could now present him with an opportunity to stay in the Premiership after earmarking him for their problem left back spot.

Manager Rafa Benitez is considering lodging a bid but is aware that United may be reluctant to sell to one of their main rivals for honours next season. j.edwards@dailymail.co.uk

 

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