Man Utd could replace Anderson with another Selecao midfielder
Published:Manchester United midfielder Anderson’s disappointing spell at Old Trafford looks to be over as he heads to Fiorentina on loan, but another Brazilian could be making the opposite trip from Serie A to the north west before the end of the month.
The ailing Premier League champions – who are out to 10/3 to finish in the top four following their 3-1 defeat at Chelsea – have been linked with a plethora of names from all around the continent as manager David Moyes attempts to put his stamp on what is still very much Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
Lazio attacking midfielder Hernanes is the latest name mentioned with regard to the Old Trafford club and while there’s little reason to believe this rumour above all others, the player’s contract situation in Rome could leave the Biancocelesti with little option but to sell.
The 28-year-old equalled his best seasonal haul last term at the club he left Sao Paolo for in 2010 with 11 Serie A strikes, bringing his Italian top-flight goal tally to 30 in three seasons.
Hernanes also laid on another four league goals for teammates in 2012/13 and while he’s been less effective so far in this campaign, with just three Serie A goals plundered, the 23-cap Selecao man served notice of a return to form with a last-minute winner at Udinese recently.
Moyes will be drawn to the midfielder’s versatility, as Hernanes can play in the number 10 role behind the striker or as a deep-lying playmaker.
United have struggled for creativity in the middle of the park under the 50-year-old Scot and their midfield contingent of Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs, Shinji Kagawa and Michael Carrick are still without a Premier League assist between them in 2013/14.
Hernanes’ current deal at the Stadio Olimpico has only 18 months left to run and while Lazio scared off potential suitors by placing a £20m valuation on the Alianca native last summer, an offer close to the £11m they paid for the player three and a half years ago may persuade them to do business now.
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