2. Ander Hererra (Athetlic Bilbao)
The 24 year old Spaniard was the subject of one of the most bizarre transfer stories in recent memory. He was on the receiving end of a supposed bid from United in the final week of the transfer window, and a group of lawyers
claiming to represent the Manchester club turned up to try and finalise the deal. It has since come to pass that neither club knew who these lawyers were, and weren't authorised to conduct any transfer dealings on behalf of either club. Despite this, the interest in the player did seem real and only his contract release clause of 36 million (
£31 million) was creating an issue. The Basque club are notoriously difficult to deal with due their strict selection of local players, and they do not take kindly to players wishing to leave (see
the treatment Fernando Llorente was subjected to when he expressed his desire to move elsewhere as an example of this). It appears Herrera's head may have been turned by talk of a transfer to Manchester, and his form has taken a slight drop this season. At 5ft 11" and 11st, he offers more in the way of flair than physicality. He operates as the most attacking of a midfield duo/trio and likes to receive the ball in advanced areas. He has the ability to pick a pass and play that final, defence splitting through ball something United's current midfielders struggle to do and has created 15 chances in nine league appearances this season. He is surprisingly quick for a central midfielder, and tries to dribble from the middle of the park whenever possible - albeit with mixed success. Thanks to Bilbao's philosophy and aggressive style of play he has high levels of stamina, is very tactically aware and he's also very useful at closing down the opposition and winning the ball back winning 17 out of 24 attempted tackles, impressive for an attack minded player. The main concern would be employing him in a two man midfield alongside Carrick. United have a habit of leaving large gaps in the middle of the park and Carrick often shoulders all of the defensive responsibility, leaving them vulnerable to being outnumbered and succumbing to quick counter attacks. Herrera wouldn't solve any of these issues, and in order to utilise him effectively they may need to move to a three man midfield a slight change in style for a side used to playing with two wingers and two strikers but in doing so could unleash a very good player, yet to reach his peak. Bilbao's president Josu Urrita recently ruled out the sale of Herrera,
telling a press conference:
Ander has a contract until 2016 and the matter of whether he will leave is an issue that is now closed.
The fact that he acknowledged there was an 'issue', coupled with Herrera's release clause, mean a January purchase is a real possibility.