Lucas Moura: Manchester United Must Not Quit Chasing Brazilian Starlet

Manchester United's bid may have failed to land Brazilian star Lucas Moura, but the Red Devils must not quit in their pursuit of the midfielder.

Reports out of Brazil say that Sao Paulo has rejected Manchester United's latest $30 million bid for the 19-year-old star.

This means that it will likely take a bid north of $40 million to land the talented attacking midfielder.

However, despite the steep price, Man U must not stop chasing one of Brazil's most promising prospects.

Sir Alex Ferguson is enthralled with the midfielder and is doing everything in his power to secure Moura as a replacement for the departed Ji-Sung Park.

He has good reasons for doing so, too.

Moura is one of the highest-rated prospects in the world. He has a gift for coming up from the midfield and attacking. He also has great on-ball skills, is an effective passer and is powerful on the ball.

In spite of his attacking tendencies, Moura is also a capable defender and doesn't get beat in the middle of the field often.

Moura would bring much-needed energy to the Red Devils' squad. He plays with the traditional joy and passion of the Brazilian stars of the past, and United could really use some of his flair.

After Manchester City won the Premier League Championship in 2011-12, the Red Devils are now chasing their bitter rivals. Moura would be a great boost in helping Man U to regain the Premier League title from the blues.

All Manchester City needs for this to happen is for Moura to want to leave home.

He has indicated in the past that he wants to stay in Brazil, but he has left the door open to heading to Europe, according to the London Evening Standard.

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“I cannot guarantee that I will stay until the end of my contract. Much has changed and the situation is not up to me anymore. You never know what can happen. I don’t have a crazy desire to leave but, when the time comes, I will speak with my family and decide what is best for my future."

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Moura will be headed to London for the Olympics in a few days, and if Manchester United has anything to say about it, he will be staying in the UK permanently after the games.