Could Ander Herrera be set to switch Manchester United for Barcelona?

Add as preferred source on Google

Barcelona have drawn up an alternative plan in case their pursuit of Marco Verratti isn’t successful. Spanish news outlet Sport report that they have lined up Ander Herrera as a potential target and that will be a concern for Manchester United as it would be difficult for the Spanish midfielder to turn Los Cules down.

According to the report, he has been a player that has been followed by the Spanish club for a while and his previous relationship with new coach Ernesto Valverde could play a part. The rumoured cost is €40 million.

However, the Independent report that United will not sell the midfielder, despite the interest from Barcelona. He emerged as a key figure during the last 12 months and was one of Jose Mourinho’s most trusted lieutenants. Although Sport reported that a deal could be done for €40 million, the Independent suggest that it would take a bid of £60 million to even get them to consider a sale.

Herrera is viewed as a future captain and they will do everything they can to keep him at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

[interaction id=”59567dbdf2d4938713c3801c”]

Why is Herrera so important to Manchester United?

Last season, he was one of the most consistent midfielders in the league and his performances helped Manchester United to two trophy wins. He emerged as a good foil to Paul Pogba and, if Mourinho can acquire another talented central midfielder, the Red Devils will have one of the best midfield trios in the league.

The Spaniard arrived in England as an exciting, creative midfielder who was being signed to add dynamism to the United midfield. However, he has adapted his game under Mourinho and he is now a complete midfielder, capable of contributing in both halves of the pitch.

During the 2016/17 campaign, he contributed one goal and six assists, which is a good return for a player who wasn’t one of the team’s main attacking outlets. Nonetheless, it was his defensive contribution that underlined his importance.

His average of 2.7 tackles and 2.6 interceptions rank him as one of the best ball-winners in the league. The 27-year-old was prepared to play an unselfish role and this allowed Paul Pogba to roam into forward areas more often. Herrera was excellent at playing a box-to-box role, as he looked to win possession and carry the ball forward in the transition phase.