Anderson had a larger trophy cabinet than most clubs by the time he was 20-years-old.

Revered as one of the finest young talents in world football, the Brazilian had the beautiful game at his feet when he signed for Manchester United in 2007.

By the end of the following year, he had already had an Under-17 World Cup Golden Ball and a Golden Boy trophy to his name.

His United switch seemed the perfect move for both parties and the chance for the midfielder to thrive under Sir Alex Ferguson and alongside players like Cristiano Ronaldo.

The rest, as they say, is history - and all-to documented tale of stagnation and eventual calamity.

Why Anderson flopped at Man Utd

Anderson would go onto spend eight years at Old Trafford, never once living up to the wild expectations held of him and eventually moving to native Internacional who released him in January.

Not exactly the career narrative expected from such a supreme talent, that's for sure.

However, what actually went so badly wrong for Anderson at United and after being given so many fresh chances at the club?

Owen blames his 'Brazilian attitude'

While only the man himself will know the true reason behind his torrid spell in the Premier League, the next best source comes from those who worked with and starred alongside him.

Enter Michael Owen.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker turned out for United between 2009 and 2012 and, in a recent interview with SportsJOE, has revealed where it all went wrong for the Brazilian prodigy.

Owen explained: "He was very talented, was Ando.

"Without being too general, he'd have that Brazilian attitude. He was a pretty relaxed guy. Maybe too relaxed at times.

"He loved being out there with a ball at his feet but he did not bother about weights, or anything really. Him getting back from injuries was often a slow process.

"He was a really good player but if he had that driven mentality, he could have been great."

That elite mentality that players such as Ronaldo have in abundance, just wasn't there for Anderson.

It doesn't necessarily seem a case of laziness, rather a preoccupation with always having the ball at his feet and little desire to improve himself as an athlete. Considering his raw ability, it's a great shame.

Ravel Morrison couldn't handle the demands

And one man who can relate to the story of Anderson, is Ravel Morrison - another youngster discussed by Owen.

"He was highly touted but was another who struggled with the high demands of being at a top club," Owen simply concluded.

Simply put, the pressure and workload required at a club like United is too much for some.

Do you think Anderson has any route back to the top? Have your say in the comments section below.