Can Alan Pardew lead Southampton back to the Championship? Tom Powell previews the betting.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has been involved in a car crash in Portugal and was dragged from the wreckage moments before it burst into flames, according to reports.

Anderson is said to have spent hours in hospital after the crash, which occured at around 7am on a rural road in Braga, but picked up only minor injuries.

A witness said he was pulled ”lifeless” from the wreckage before it went up in flames.

Almeno Antunes, who according to Jornal de Noticias helped rescue the three people in the car, said: “I saw a cloud of smoke ahead of me. The car was unable to straighten up after a slight bend and went into the field and caught fire. I thought he was dead. My brother dragged him out.”

Two companions were also said to have been involved in the accident and were taken to St Mark’s hospital to be treated for concussion, whiplash and shock. “They had only minor injuries,” a hospital spokesman, Roman Fresco, said.

Anderson ruptured his cruciate ligament in February and has not played since. The Portuguese press quoted the Gestifute agency, which represents Anderson, as saying the Brazilian would now return to Manchester to continue his rehabilitation after suffering an “almighty scare”.

Can Alan Pardew lead Southampton back to the Championship? Tom Powell previews the betting.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the last news and articles from World Soccer. Subscribe to World Soccer today and take advantage of our all 50th anniversary offer, saving up to 50%!