The rumour mill never stops. And when teams are on international break, the chatter about potential transfer becomes even bigger. Manchester United have not been able to escape from that. And in recent days, one of their most talented midfielders has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford. We are talking about Ander Herrera.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Atletico Madrid are keen to make a move for Ander since the Spaniard’s contract ends up at the end of the current season. Even though making a move for him was an option during the upcoming January transfer window, Atletico prefer to acquire him once he is a free agent. That would prevent them from splashing a big amout of cash on a player they can get for free.
However, things are not easy as they sound. First of all, Ander has a clause on his contract that allows him to extend his current deal for, at least, one more season. That would automatically eliminate Atletico’s chances to sign him for free. But there is also Manchester United’s idea of extending the playmaker’s current contract for a few more years. The latter seems like the best choice, honestly. Ander has been a key player for United in the past few seasons, and has improved his play of late following a slow start to the current term. He has proven his value time and time again.
Does Ander Herrera Have A Future At Manchester United?
Competition for a starting spot in midfield is quite harsh at United right now. If and when everyone is fit, United have Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Herrera to start at CM. Nothing suggests Ander will remain as a starter in the upcoming matches once both Pogba and Fellaini return from their respective injuries. But there is no question the right move for him would be to stay at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho loves him, and Ander has reportedly settled quite nicely in Manchester, too.
Returning home would always be an interesting alternative, especially after spending a few years away. But there is a time for everything, and right now United seem to be in a better position than Atletico towards the future. Los Colchoneros have been practically eliminated from the UEFA Champions League; meanwhile, United are inches away from reaching a berth in the next round. And United are also assembling a team that could contain for years to come in the English Premier League. At 28 years of age, Ander is an interesting part of that proyect since both Fellaini and Michael Carrick might leave the team in the near future.
Only time will tell what will happen, but the ball is in Herrera’s side of the pitch. He can choose to sign the one-year extension, sign a larger one, or test the open market in 2018. But the smart move would be to stay at United. It would be foolish to let him go just like that considering how much of an asset he has been for the team since his arrival.
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