Sridhar Bhamidi
It has been an exciting transfer window for Manchester United fans so far. But the same cannot be said of Barcelona faithful though. Apart from signing Lionel Messi to fresh terms, there has been disappointment everywhere else. Primary target Marco Verratti’s transfer from PSG looks to be going nowhere, leaving new coach Ernesto Valverde looking for alternatives.
Top of that alternative pile is Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera. The unassuming Spanish star was the silent performer at Old Trafford last season and has established himself as fan favourite.
According to the Spanish outlet Sport, Valverde is keen to re-establish his union with Herrera with whom he worked during the midfielder’s stay at Athletic Bilbao. Herrera left Bilbao for United in 2014 and had a difficult initiation, struggling to hold his own under Louis van Gaal.
The arrival of Jose Mourinho though, worked wonders for Herrera, who soon won over the Portuguese tactician and is now one of the first names on the playing sheet. He was one of the key players for Mourinho, helping his side win the UEFA Europa League and win back a place in the Champions League this season.
Valverde believes that the lure of playing at Camp Nou could be difficult for the Spanish international to turn down. Herrera meanwhile has reportedly expressed his desire to continue at Old Trafford. He is reportedly happy with his development under Mourinho and is eager to build on the association.
The Red Devils are keen to offer new terms to Herrera and the signals coming from the player’s camp are that Ander is ready to commit long-term to the 20-time English Champions. Daily Star reports that Manchester United have opened talks to extend the Spaniard’s contract and are ready to offer as much as £175,000-a-week to ward off Barcelona’s interest.
Herrera is one of the most under-rated midfielders in the Premier League but as he has shown last season that he can be a handful for any player. Old Trafford still buzzes with excitement at the way he pocketed Eden Hazard by being his shadow for the entire game against Chelsea.
Like every other Spanish midfielder, Herrera too is technically perfect, making him a perfect folly for Paul Pogba at United. With the arrival of Romelu Lukaku, there is an air of expectation around Old Trafford that United can now start challenging for titles. For that to materialise, a certain Ander Herrera in the heart of midfield could prove to be the linchpin!
