This is why Man United want to pay £35m for Portugal’s midfield ox

In a season of lows, Man United fans were given a glimpse of what lies ahead next season and it looks good.

News that Man United manager David Moyes has secured a £35m deal for William Carvalho, one of the hottest young properties in European football, lifted spirits among the Old Trafford faithful. 

Carvalho has been hailed as the ‘revelation of the season’ by the Portuguese press after excelling in what is only his first full campaign at Sporting, his boyhood club following a loan spell at Cercle Brugge in Belgium.

His superior strength and composure in front of the Sporting defence, shielding the back line, has broken up numerous attacks and seen him recognised by his country with his caps for Portugal this season.

He is now expected to represent Paulo Bento’s side in Brazil and Man United fans have every reason to be hopeful Carvalho is the man to shore up the middle.

Safe distribution and a love of halting the opposition, there is not many who find it easy to pass the 22-year-old. After paying over the odds for Marouane Fellaini, this looks like a wise investment by Man United. 

Name: William Carvalho
Date of birth: 07/04/92
Born: Lisbon
Club: Sporting Lisbon
Position: Midfield
International: Two Portugal caps