Man United pull a double swoop for Anderson and Nani

Sir Alex Ferguson didn't waste a lot of time getting ready to defend that EPL title Manchester United just won. Man U has landed Brazilian playmaker Anderson and Portuguese star Nani in a pair of deals that have to make the Red Devils favorites to repeat as EPL champions.

If you haven't seen either of these Portuguese League players player, you have missed out. Here are some videos of Anderson and Nani, courtesy of YouTube. Not only are these kids already super-skilled, Nani is just 20 and Anderson is 19. Adding them to Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo gives ManU a nucleus of young attacking players to rival Arsenal's deep stable of young talent.

With a deal for Owen Hargreaves all but completed, Ferguson has not only bolstered an already-dangerous attack, but he has also helped the team prepare for the inevitable departures of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who were both great this season but who are turning 34 and 33 respectively next season.

What kind of lineup can Man. U. field with these additions. Here's one look at what the 2007 lineup could be:

-----------------Rooney--------------

Ronaldo------Anderson-------Nani

----------Carrick-----Hargreaves---

Evra----------------------------Neville

---------Ferdinand----Vidic---------

---------------Van Der Sar-----------

Obviously Giggs and Scholes will play their fare share, and we shouldn't be surprised to see Anderson and Nani take some time to adjust to the EPL, but the above lineup could be rocking and rolling on a regular basis by the second half of next season.

I will say that all this transfer movement is making me eager to dust off my copy of Worldwide Soccer Manager, which I just haven't had time to play in months.

What do you think of the moves? Post your comments below.

Comments

[Kevin]

I just read about this and as a Liverpool fan am nearly sick. I don't hate ManU as much as some, I do have respect for them. This is a great move. I think Anderson will fit in perfectly given some time. He is awesome. Nani, Im not so positive of but I still like his game it just may take longer to translate to the EPL. What an attack force they are going to have in a few years. They paid a pretty high price but if either one can turn out to be as good as most think they will ManU will be good for a long time. They sure are going to be fun to watch with all those talented wingers though. Now Im waiting for the La Liga season to wrap up so Rafa can spend all that money he was given. Man I love transfer season. And thought I would add my WWSM story seeing you mentioned it. Summer of 2009 Inter just bought C. Ronaldo for $123m, to add to D. Villa purchased last season.

[Jasen]

sorry if this is a dumb question, but is this game the same as Sega's Football Manager 2007?

[anthony bouts]

in a few years, we could have the most exciting and unpredictable wings in the world. ronaldo and nani both fly around the field, and switch sides.

[anthony bouts]

in a few years, we could have the most exciting and unpredictable wings in the world. ronaldo and nani both fly around the field, and switch sides.

[Ben]

Before I ask this question I just want to state that this is a question of curiosity, not criticism. This question is the result of me not being a football expert.

What is it about Wayne Rooney that makes him one of the best players in the world? I'm a Man U fan, I'm not attacking him. I'm seriously asking what his attributes are and what separates him from everyone else, because to the naked eye, whenever I've seen him play he seems to just be another great player on a great Man U team, but not one that stands out.

[Nick]

Now we just need another striker to play alongside or substitute for Rooney now and again and we'll dominate England and Europe. I would prefer a youngster to progress alongside Rooney, Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson than splashing $75 mil on Eto'o. Even just bring Rossi back into the fold.

[Nick]

Ben, I can see why you would ask that, and during some games I would happen to agree. I think a big part of everyone saying how great he is, is that there aren't really other iconic, in-form, English strikers playing right now. Maybe once Owen gets his fitness back that won't be the case, but for now Rooney is the man. However, if you watch Rooney's first touch, work-rate(he runs much more than most strikers, especially compared to what Ruud used to do), and absolute power behind the ball, you will see why many think he is so great.

[Ben]

I kinda see that. He does seem to be much more energetic than other players. I see the same type of play in Tevez, except Tevez maybe has more skill. Rooney and Tevez never seem to give up in a play and are always tackling back if they lose the ball.

[Allen]

Rooney up top? Doesn't seem like something he does good.

[Dannyc58]

There's only one, Carlos Tevez!
There's only one, Carlos Tevez!
There's only one, Carlos Tevez!

[EssEff]

Ben, dude, you are not off base. Rooney is an exciting player and good finisher, but he is overrated because of the reason Nice gave...he is English. Plus, since he is English in the EPL, he gets a longer lease from the refs. No wonder he is carded as a regular player when in the Champions League.

[Dominghosa]

Anderson is AWESOME. I can't believe ManU pulled the trigger on him and Nani. Wow.
I've seen Anderson play and am a huge fan. I know C. Ronaldo i only 21. But when Anderson reaches 21, he will surpass C. Ronaldo in talent.
When they all get fit and all gell together, it's going to be the most fun midfield to watch in the world.
The rich get richer. Fortunately and unfortunately.
Too bad I'm not a ManU fan.

[Blake]

This continues to state that if you want top talent in England, you have to bring it in from the outside.

[Uncle Dave]

Giggs and Scholes = MLS age!

[sporting_fan]

More reason to watch ManU.
People I talk too, who have watched Nani play alot, believe he is better suited to play the EPL style of football. So I expect him to fit in well, and replace Giggs on the left flank after the 07/08 season.
Anderson im not so sure of, he is best suited to play on the right flank and thats were Cronaldo plays and i dont think Anderson has the all around game that Scholes has so a move in the centre of the pitch might not work as well. With that said Anderson does have undeniable talent,though he didnt play much because of a leg injury, so we'll have to wait and see how he fits.

FYI, Nani recently signed a contract with sporting until 2013 that included a 30 million euros buyout. In January ManU offered 25 million. I don't know how much Anderson cost ManU.

[Joe in ND]

As Kevin stated earlier, as a Liverpool fan this makes me sick. There is nothing more that I can say other than that this puts the pressure on Rafa to go out and sign players to matchup. If Liverpool doesn't have a good haul in the transfer window, we could be resigned to finishing in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th again. Not too pessimistic yet, I just want Rafa to get a move on with these deals, and the owners gotta shell out the money.

[northzax]

didn't I see that Fergie was replacing can der Saar with Ben Foster as well?

[Moha-Kenya]

i greatly support Fergussons move.If we have a stronger bench power then guess all is a wrap,we should be thinkin of 2008 season.

[kai]

I heard on the man u website that they are set to try and get Tevez. Imagine that Tevez and Rooney teaming up in front with Hargreaves, Nani, Ronaldo, and Anerson behind them, I don't think United will need any defence lol

[kai]

Its going to cost united at least £20million to get tevas and saha is out for 3 months

[ayanle]

rooney tevez

nani anderson ronaldo

scholes

evra neville
ferdinand vidic

van der sar

[byron higman]

crisiano ronaldo rules