Passing
Passing statistics of Herrera and the four other midfielders in the League last season
| Herrera | Strootman | Kroos | Fabregas | Clasie | |
| Games Played | 33 | 25 | 29 | 36 | 32 |
| Pass accuracy | 80.6 | 88.3 | 91.9 | 87 | 85 |
| Key Passes | 1.6 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 0.9 |
| Average pass length | 17 | 17 | 19 | 15 | 20 |
| Passes | 47.2 | 58.8 | 75.5 | 60.7 | 54.6 |
(All stats per Whoscored)
One area where Ander Herrera definitely has to work on is his passing. Even though he averaged more Key passes per game than everyone bar Strootman, his passing numbers are otherwise unimpressive. Not only does Herrera attempt fewer passes, but he also has the worst pass accuracy of the other four midfielders in question.
In terms of passing, Kroos is the clear winner. Not only does the German attempt more passes than anybody on this list, but he also has the best pass accuracy of the lot. Given his deeper role, his average pass length is also slightly higher than the others, but he still managed a healthy 1.4 key passes per game, which is brilliant numbers for someone who was primarily used as a defensive midfielder.
Suitability to club
The final category is how well the five players would have fit in at United. While Kroos and Clasie are designated defensive midfielders, who can come out with the ball, the other three are all dynamic players who can both attack and defend with equal ease. Given Van Gaal’s style of play, the latter are vital to his plans.
Given Strootman’s injury and Fabregas’ reluctance to join Manchester United, there was only ever going to be one option. While Herrera would certainly take some time to settle in to the club, his all-action style is certainly one that United need right now. Also, given his relative young age and proven pedigree in La Liga, he represents arguably the most effective investment of the five.
Verdict
With United in need of a dynamic midfielder, Fabregas would’ve been a more attacking, luxury signing who would’ve cost just as much but wouldn’t have been the player they needed. On the other hand, if United wanted defensive stability then Clasie would’ve been a very good choice. But the fact that he is relatively inexperienced and unproven outside of Holland, makes him a risky proposition.
While there is no doubt that Kroos is more versatile, he would certainly have cost more and has already pledged his allegiance to Bayern Munich. But arguably the biggest reason why Herrera was a good buy was Strootman’s injury. If the Dutchman weren’t injured, he would have been snapped up in the blink of an eye. But, given his long-term injury layoff and the need for a dynamic midfielder right now, means that Herrera is, without a doubt, the perfect choice.