Ander Herrera could be the man to replace Paul Scholes in Man United's midfield

• Man Utd finally have their man after nearly three years of interest
• Herrera could be the man to replace Paul Scholes in midfield
• Made his first appearance at Old Trafford in 2-1 win over Valencia

 

It is now two-and-half years since Manchester United first set their sights on Ander Herrera. 

It was on a breezy spring evening when the Spaniard graced the Old Trafford turf, producing a performance that gleamed with class as Athletic Bilbao ransacked United's home and defeated Sir Alex Ferguson's side 3-2 in a Europa League tie.

United's radar has fixated on the Spaniard since. Martin Ferguson, Sir Alex's brother, was instructed to file regular reports as United looked to see off competition from Barcelona.

Under David Moyes, United deliberated over moves for Herrera both last summer and in the January transfer window. Finally, three managers later, United have their £28m man.

It has been a long time coming but United believe that they have uncovered a midfielder capable of holding his own against the very best.

United lost their crown jewel in Paul Scholes a year ago but, in Ander Herrera, they may have found a gem who can provide the control and poise that was so often lacking from performances last season.

One pass, driven with the laces from the quarter-back position onto the toe of Ashley Young, could easily have been transplanted from the little ginger maestro's back-catalogue.

In the absence of Michael Carrick - who is not expected to return until October - the rapid integration of Herrera has been a priority for Louis van Gaal. Darren Fletcher appears revitalised, Tom Cleverley more content and even Marouane Fellaini is grabbing the headlines but Herrera, who has started every pre-season game, will be the first midfielder on Van Gaal's teamsheet.

As for Anderson, his status as a Manchester United player was summed up by the the absence of a number beside his name on the match-day programme. Instead, it only said TBC.

Those at United remark that Herrera's grasp of English is 'immaculate' and that he has already formed a close friendship with compatriots David de Gea and Juan Mata.

On Tuesday evening against Valencia, Herrera patrolled at the heart of the United midfield, collecting the ball from the three centre-halves and orchestrating United's moves. As appears to be the law for Spanish citizens, Herrera's touch in tight spaces is flawless, his passing and movement imaginative. His boyish features betray a combative presence, as Valencia's Dani Parejo will testify after one full-blooded lunge early on.

In the smart seats in the stands, Nicky Butt flashed a smile and nodded his approval. And he knows a decent midfielder when he sees one.