Barcelona Transfer News: Ander Herrera Rumours Stun Manchester United

Manchester United supporters will have been delighted with the recent performances turned in by midfield maestro Ander Herrera, with the Spaniard showcasing a Barcelona-esque swagger. But his positive displays could eventually be to the detriment of the Red Devils, with reports suggesting the Blaugrana are now tracking the former Athletic star.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror), Herrera’s recent performances have “caught the eye” of Barcelona, who are looking to replenish their midfield options when their transfer ban is lifted in 2016. As noted by the piece, the Spaniard has been linked with a move to the Camp Nou since the early days of his career.

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Here’s how he’s fared this season in league matches in comparison to Barcelona’s other orthodox central-midfield options:

	Herrera	Iniesta	Rakitic	Xavi
Apps (Sub)	12 (7)	15 (3)	19 (7)	14 (8)
Goals	5	0	4	1
Assists	4	0	6	6
Key Passes per Game	0.9	1	1.2	1.6
Average Passes per Game	52.7	69.7	54.5	59.2
Pass Completion Rate	89%	89.8%	89.8%	92.5%

After a tumultuous start to life in England during which Herrera had to cope with loss of form and fitness, the principles put in place by manager Louis van Gaal of late are bringing out the best of the playmaker.

In the 4-3-3- system, he is able to dictate proceedings for the Red Devils from a slightly withdrawn role, but is capable of drifting forward and making telling contributions in the final third. As noted by Full Time DEVILS, the 25-year-old is an extremely composed finisher when shooting chances do arise too:

Stylistically, Herrera does have all the requisite qualities to slot in at Barcelona. He’s a wonderful manipulator of the ball, an incisive passer and a very intelligent player when it comes to finding pockets of space in convoluted midfields. With Xavi’s Blaugrana career winding down and Andres Iniesta approaching the twilight of his playing days, it’d be no surprise if the Catalans were interested.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

After all, the numbers being racked up by Herrera recently reek of a midfield star, per WhoScored.com:

But for United fans, there is little to fear. The Spaniard put pen to paper on a big-money, long-term contract last summer and as Van Gaal looks to build a squad capable of challenging at the summit of English and European football once again, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Herrera will be a vital component of the renaissance.

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

The player couldn’t have made his own position any clearer recently either, per United Review (h/t the club’s official website): “It’s my dream to be here for a long time because I am in the right team, in the right league and in the right country,” said Herrera. “I feel very happy and I want to stay at the club for many years to come.”

He finally seems settled in England and the results have been wonderful to watch. Greg Johnson of Squawka has been extremely impressed with his recent displays:

The challenge for the burgeoning Spaniard now is to preserve these levels. He began the campaign superbly before wilting after a sustained run of games, but now he seems happier in a system better tailored to his qualities and playing alongside the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick, who are fine foils for his attributes.

Just a few months ago there were rumours suggesting United might be willing to cash in on Herrera after his difficult start, per Bruce Archer of the Express, but those reports were premature. For the time being, while Barcelona may look on enviously, the Old Trafford faithful can relax safe in the knowledge that they'll be enjoying the eminent flair of this wonderful midfielder for a long time yet.