A lack of quality in the middle of the park has long been a concern at Manchester United, but with the signing of Ander Herrera have they finally found a solution to the midfield crisis at Old Trafford? Herrera has yet to establish himself as a top star in European football, but the 24-year-old’s form over the second half of the season, as well as notable performances against both Real Madrid and Barcelona, put his name firmly on United’s radar.
The arrival from Athletic Bilbao notched five goals and five assists last season, but stats will not be the sole interest of new manager Louis van Gaal as he looks to strengthen a midfield that often looked bereft of ideas over the course of last season. United have witnessed Herrera’s ability first-hand as he orchestrated Bilbao’s victory over United in their Europa League in 2012. He has shown himself to be a big-game player who can dictate tempo, but questions remain regarding his consistency at the top level.
There is no denying that Herrera is a level below the likes of Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, but with United’s absence from European competition can van Gaal be expecting to lure the highest level calibre of players from Europe’s biggest clubs? At around £28 million, a similar price to Marouane Fellaini, Herrera does not represent value but instead risk. Though he has shown glimpses of being the man United need in the middle, the large price tag is bound to bring immense pressure. The Spaniard will need a strong start at Old Trafford if he is to succeed and avoid any unwelcome comparisons to United’s last £28 million midfielder.