Sir Alex Ferguson is pleading patience after Brazilian teenager Anderson's tough United baptism.
Anderson's subdued effort against the Black Cats had Reds fans concerned the champions had bought another Brazilian pup following the failure of Kleberson to hack it in the Premier League after his £6.5m move to United in 2003.
But Fergie insists his second move into the Brazilian market won't be a flop and that the ex-Porto favourite will come good.
"He'll take time. He's 19 years of age. He's got great skill, I'm sure he'll be okay," said the Reds manager.
"I thought that Anderson found it difficult against Sunderland because of the speed of the game and the way they set their stall out made it difficult for us.
"Also if you look at the four that played - Anderson, Eagles, Tevez and Nani - they've never played with each other.
"But we were pleased to get 45 minutes behind Anderson. Hopefully, the two weeks before the Everton game will give him a chance to improve."
Anderson is not in Dunga's Brazilian squad for their friendlies against USA and Mexico, so he is putting in the hours at Carrington to improve his strength and fitness ready for his next appearance.
Fergie's insistence that Anderson is allowed time to find his feet is echoed by former Brazil World Cup winner and one-time FIFA World Player of the Year Rivaldo.
The ex-Barcelona superstar, who is now at AEK Athens, says of Anderson: "He's very good, a huge talent. But you need to be patient with him. His development should be controlled, giving him encouragement, but everything done calmly.
"We're talking about a youngster who has the qualities to be a great player."
