Ander Herrera

still 2 months to sort it out, and the most important thing to be in place is that the player explicitly wants to join you, which he seems.

I have to say that I really respect and admire the stance of Athletic, even if it's a pain in the ass if you want their players.
We are after Laporte too at the moment I think, and I'm not getting my hopes up because it's not at all clear he would want the move.

Yeah, the fact they will only buy Basque players makes it hard for them to find replacements. It's already hard enough to find a replacement for someone with the same quality as Martinez, but from such a limited pool to choose from is very difficult. So, it is understandable why they are so tough to deal with. Although, if you're a player wanting to leave, it is harder than leaving a cult

Yes but then if you're not willing to play for 4 years at a club don't sign a contract for 4 years, you have no right to demand the club should be willing to sell you when you still have contract.
So my sympathy for the players wanting out is existent but very limited.

It works both ways, if a player doesn't sign a new contract, the club will create a very hostile atmosphere for the player. Just today PSV has sent Bakkali to the reserves until he makes up his mind on the new deal, thus far he has refused it.

yea luckily this time around. we have two huge advantages working for us as you guys have mentioned.
1.time (2 months to sort it out )
2.Interest from the player ( hardcore one btw )

So unless WE pull the deal off , it is definitely going to happen.
until then lets concentrate on other positions.

James Ducker ‏@DuckerTheTimes

In other news .... Herrera to #MUFC on the verge of being done. Expected announcement in next 24 hours

Spoiler:

Official

Herrera pays the buyout clause
The Football League has certified Athletic Club that player Ander Herrera Agüera has fulfilled the requirements of the applicable regulations valid for unilateral termination of the employment contract that bound him to our Club, by depositing today the amount of compensation established in the contract.

The Athletic Club thanks Ander Herrera for his dedication during the three seasons he has enjoyed the club and wishes him the best in his future sports projects.

http://www.athletic-club.net/web/main.asp?a=0&b=1&c=1&d=1000&berria=14335&idi=2

Can we rename this thread to Ander Herrera?

ffs WE FOOKIN DID IT FFS

we signed a CM

Ander Herrera signs for United

Manchester United is delighted to announce that, after triggering the buy-out clause in his contract on Tuesday, it has signed Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Club in Bilbao, pending the receipt of the International Transfer Certificate. He joins on a four-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year.

Ander, 24, from Bilbao, joined Athletic Club from Real Zaragoza in 2011 and has since made 128 appearances, scoring 11 goals. He has been capped by Spain at Under-20, Under-21 and Under-23 level.

Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs said: "Ander is a fantastic young player, with great energy and creativity. We believe him to be one of the brightest young prospects in Spain and I am certain he will be a big hit with the United fans. I’m delighted he has made the decision to come to Manchester and play his part in the club’s future. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action on our summer tour to America.”

Ander Herrera said: "Signing for Manchester United is a dream come true. I have played at Old Trafford for Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League and it was one of the highlights of my career so far. I have joined United to do all I can to help the team reach the club's objectives. Having arrived on Tuesday, I’m excited to now be living in Manchester and I can’t wait for my first game in United’s famous red shirt. I will never forget my time with Athletic Club and I’d like to thank the fans and staff for all their support and, above all, wish all my fantastic former team-mates all the best for the future."

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Jun/ander-herrera-signs-for-manchester-united.aspx

A farewell message to the Bilbao fans. Mata and now Herrera, those classy Spaniards

is it safe to make him my avatar yet dat jinx last year, Thiago then Herrera

You've bloody earned it B-mac It's safe to make him your avatar now

good job, surely a very good signing - a type of player you actually don't have and need, ponder that !!!

We did it.

First interview, in English:

Link

Obligatory youtube video

speaks pretty damn good english for a lad whose never lived outside of spain, and is from such a traditional culture like Basque

he's going to be an instant hit

Welcome to Manchester United, Herrera.

We've actually signed a midfielder. Get in!

Interview with Four Four Two, it's a few months old. Talks about last season's failed transfer, our Europa League encounter with Bilbao, how he learned English + other things

Open images in a new tab.

Spoiler:

This is the first player you've signed in years that I'm truly jealous of. Is going to be a massive player.

I can notice the difference between Moyes and LVG already from these transfers
The last year Moyes preferred Fellaini to the Basque, now LVG wanted Herrera.
United will come back to play football , after having made hoofball for a year under Moyes.
Great signing imo

My strike against us is finally over. Club finally making the right moves. Please keep up the redevelopment!

Should have had 4 assists if his team mates finished their chances



Dat grit and steel

United needed absolutely of a player with these peculiarites to midfield.
The last year I didn't understand Fellaini's signing since September not because he is scrub ( and probably he is not so ) but because he wasn't the kind of player neeeded by Manchester United.
in last Everton period he played as AM, and you can permitt to do it with Everton because they were scrubs in attack ( after Tim Cahill went away) and so a player good in offensive insertions ( as you say , box to box ? :hmm.) is gold for them.
but in United, where you have real AM ( added even Mata) , where so you have AM capable to play football , create chances and assist ( what Fellaini rarely can do , he is good to score with insertions as against Algeria for example) , basically what an AM must do , you become useful
and so you must come back to midfield, where the United needed of another kind of player, and not another player good mainly to brake the game. A vicious circle . I am not surpried Van Gaal wanted a player as Herrera firstly . I think even Fellaini can benefit from his arrival , at least he can do again what he can do .. while Moyes probably thought he would have created game