Former Man United star faces prison after court ultimatum

It the second time he's faced controversy

Two months ago, former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra was charged with family abandonment and given 12-months sentence after owing his ex-wife €1million which he avoided paying.

Now another former Manchester United footballer who played with the Frenchman has been sentenced for failing to support their family.

As reported by The Daily Star, Brazilian midfielder, Anderson, has been sentenced in the southern Brazilian City of Porto Alegra unless he agrees to pay off the £45,000 the 36-year-old owes in child support for his nine children.

If the former Golden Boy winner refuses to pay, he will be sentenced would be 30 days at Irmao Miguel Dario Prison unless he clears the debt.

The ruling was made last week by a family court judge, although the news only became public yesterday (10 Sep).

Anderson has been offered the chance to serve his time locked up on a 'semi-open' regime which would permit him to work or study outside of jail in the day, but return to sleep at night as reported by Brazilian news website GZH.

Anderson is no stranger to a bit of controversy, as four years ago he was named among eight people under investigation after being accused of laundering £4.7 million through cryptocurrencies.

Brazilian newspaper Globo reported that an investigation was underway into a scheme designed to divert money from the state stock exchange.

It is unknown whether that investigation has been closed or is still ongoing.

The Brazilian is a bit of an interesting character as per a story once told on the That Peter Crouch Podcast about what Anderson choice to do with his Manchester United earnings.

Peter Crouch explained on his podcast: "Anderson told Rio Ferdinand, 'I'm going to earn enough money so I can buy 50 cows in Brazil.'

"He did and I believe now he has got hundreds of cows.

"It's what he wanted to achieve - he could have a farm."

Crouch was met by uncertainty from his co-host, Chris Stark and Steve Sidwell, forcing the former Liverpool striker to get in touch with Ferdinand to confirm the story.

Ferdinand's response did not disappoint.

The United legend said: "Yeah he did, he used to buy cows.

"I remember once we were talking about investing and he came in with the shout from the wide left, as random as you'd ever know: 'Cows is a good market to get into.'

"He's buying f***ing cows man, I couldn't believe it. That's what he is into.

"I think he has done all right you know, loads of people eat cows don't they."

Anderson won four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008 with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He played 181 times for The Red Devils scoring nine goals and assisting 20.