I don't entirely agree Ando is weaker defensively in every aspect of it. As a whole - probably, but Ando's got the ability to out-muscle opponents and win the ball which he showed in the Sevilla game. I don't think same can be said about Cleverley (Ramires header at Stamford Bridge). Anyway doesn't matter much as each of them don't deserve to be preferred over Carrick and the potential future midfielder(s) (fingers crossed).
Except Anderson doesn't track back, and is often not in the position to win the ball back, as he also showed in the Sevilla game.