Manchester United Transfers: Calling Fact or Fiction on the Latest Rumours

Manchester United are never far from the headlines when transfer season rolls around, and this summer is no exception as the Red Devils are linked with a host of names, both leaving the club and the newly arriving.

With Shinji Kagawa so far the only big name signing, it is fair to assume that Alex Ferguson will be in the market for at least another player.

There is still plenty of time left until the transfer window shuts, but United like to make their moves early whenever possible—so let's round-up the latest rumours and call fact or fiction on them.

Christian Eriksen, Ajax

Manchester United have been supposedly searching for a new creative midfielder for the past two seasons. First it was to soften the blow of Paul Scholes winding down his career, then it was to compensate for Scholes retiring.

That, obviously, did not last too long.

Wesley Sneijder was the prime target last summer—at least in the media—but this time round it's Danish starlet Christian Eriksen who seems to figure high on Ferguson's wanted list.

The Ajax playmaker is believed to be keen on a move to the Red Devils, though there is no firm indication as yet that there has been a bid.

Verdict: FICTION! United will continue to focus on Tom Cleverley being the new force of their midfield after putting his injury woes behind him.

Dimitar Berbatov

From golden-boot winner to bit-part player in little more than a season, the fall from grace for Dimitar Berbatov has been rather spectacular.

After barely featuring for United last term save for a spell around the new-year period, the Bulgarian is believed to want out of Old Trafford to salvage his career.

Galatasary and huge-spending PSG are said to be interested in the experienced forward.

Verdict: FICTION! Unless United are going to let him leave on a free transfer, Berbatov's wages and age do not make for convincing reading to any savvy transfer marker operators.

Lucas Moura, Sao Paulo

Brazilian starlet Lucas Moura is a wanted man, with several of Europe's top sides reported to be monitoring his form.

Though it was mentioned that he may stay in Brazil until after the 2014 World Cup in his home country, it seems that United, among other teams, have upped the ante now and want to bring him to the Premier League.

United will have competition though with Inter Milan and Real Madrid also interested in signing the talented attacking midfielder.

Verdict: FACT! United are certain to have Lucas on their shortlist and, if they haven't already, will bid for him this summer. An ultimately successful conclusion may depend on other interested parties and if they are willing to pay a huge wage to fend off interest from Inter.

Robin Van Persie, Arsenal

One of the transfer sagas set to run all summer is that of Robin van Persie leaving Arsenal.

Unlikely though it may seem, Manchester United are now believed to be in the running to take the prolific front man from their rival Premier League team.

The fee Arsenal are looking for for van Persie is not known, with him having just one year left on his current contract.

Manchester City and Real Madrid are expected to be considering a bid for the Dutchman.

Verdict: FICTION! Given the level of animosity between the two teams it would be a massive shock to see Robin van Persie line up for United next season. Anyway, all Arsenal's players go to City.

Anderson

Manchester United midfielder Anderson is yet to really establish himself as a first-choice player for the Red Devils despite being at the club for five seasons since his £25 million move.

In fact, he has played just 83 Premier League matches in that time, scoring only four goals.

Now United are thought to be interested in selling him back to Portugal, with Benfica said to be interested. Anderson, however, still wants to make a go of his career at United according to the reports.

Whether he has a future at Old Trafford remains to be seen—but if Slide One turns out to be "fact" rather than "fiction," he will see his playing time options reduced even more dramatically.

Verdict: FACT! Anderson has changed roles significantly since signing for United, but it has proven a poor and expensive purchase overall. United would free up a space in the squad for a more reliable player if they let him go—but if Ferguson doesn't want to sign a new central player then selling him would be dangerous with Darren Fletcher unlikely to feature next season.

Leighton Baines, Everton

After controversy, poor form and a questionable attitude from Patrice Evra last season, it seems Alex Ferguson may have finally had enough of the Frenchman.

Everton's England international Leighton Baines is the front-runner for the left-back spot transfer position, to at least challenge Evra and perhaps usurp him at the earliest opportunity.

With the blues strapped for cash, United should have few problems in landing their man.

Verdict: FACT! Baines can't progress further at Everton, and United need to replace Evra. Seems an easy decision all around for all parties.

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