Manchester United Transfer News: Ander Herrera Fears Emerge, Neymar Latest

Ander Herrera's future could lie away from Manchester United, after reports suggested the £29 million signing "wants showdown talks" with manager Louis van Gaal over his role at Old Trafford.

Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star said the midfielder is unhappy and "disillusioned" at United, and that he believes his career has been damaged after featuring only 32 times for the club since his transfer from Athletic Bilbao in June, 2014. 

The Spaniard has not been able to nail down a regular spot in the Red Devils' starting XI and now wishes to speak to LvG about his concerns. 

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Cross quoted a source close to the player, who said Herrera feels he has "lost his identity" at United:

"

Ander is worried about his lack of progress at Manchester United under Louis van Gaal. He feels like he's lost his identity as a player and doesn't know what his role is anymore.

His situation appears to be getting worse and he's worried his career is going backwards, so there will have to be a chat with the manager.

"

However, the player moved quickly to refute the claims on Monday, posting an interview on social media where he describes his contentment at United:

Herrera arrived in the north-west with a burgeoning reputation after becoming one of Athletic Club's most consistent performers in La Liga.

He was thought to be on the verge of breaking into the Spanish national side, but his move to United has scuppered his chances at international level.

Van Gaal has used the player in several positions since taking over the reins at United, often playing Herrera in a defensive capacity, rather than as a No. 10. 

VI-Images/Getty Images

This is partly due to Wayne Rooney's prominence in attack, blocking the Spaniard from featuring in his best position. The England captain's lack of form has not stopped Van Gaal selecting him as first choice, but it's worth noting United played their best football last season when Herrera and Juan Mata were pulling the strings in tandem. 

Herrera posted a credible set of statistics last term, scoring six times and providing four assists in 19 Premier League starts, according to WhoScored.com.

Despite the player's disappointments this year, Van Gaal has publicly praised his contribution, speaking after the 3-0 victory against Everton at Goodison Park—per the club's official Twitter account: 

Many fans are frustrated at the use of Rooney ahead of Herrera, but the skipper's reputation and record put him in good standing in LvG's eyes. The Spaniard is less disciplined when it comes to tactics and shape, and it is this fact that's seen him used sparingly. 

There will be plenty of suitors interested in Herrera if he decides to quit United, and he will be yet another flair player who has failed at Old Trafford, following in the footsteps of Shinji Kagawa and Angel Di Maria. 

Neymar Hints At Barca Intent 

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Brazilian icon Neymar has said he hopes to remain part of Barcelona's holy trinity in attack for years to come after lauding Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi ahead of the Ballon d'Or awards. 

Richard Arrowsmith of MailOnline reported the player received a nomination for the Ballon d'Or, after which Neymar commented: "Leo and Luis are great friends, I hope to play with them for a long time, there are no egos."

Neymar has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since last summer, per Don Balon (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro), but Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez proclaimed he is at ease with the player's current situation, as reported by Marca: "Neymar's situation is very easy to resolve. I'd be worried if Neymar weren't happy and he wanted to leave. That really would be a problem, but we can find a solution for the other stuff."

It appears the player is settled in Catalonia, and United will have to look elsewhere for a superstar signing to bolster their ranks in the summer transfer window.

The Old Trafford starting XI have lacked flair and creativity this season, but they have kept apace with their main rivals in the Premier League—and this will vindicate Van Gaal's tactics.

United might be a boring watch at present, but they have turned into a mean defensive machine. If they can buy a player in the class bracket of Neymar, the team will be ready to move up to the next level.