Lucas Moura: Brazilian wonderboy set for United

The price tag of 26 million pounds deterred United's rivals Chelsea and Manchester City but Sir Alex Ferguson seems set to land São Paulo's super striker, 19 years old, who is currently in the UK with the Brazilian Olympic team.

Lucas will be a tremendous asset to United's attack which was weakened when Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid. The Brazilian can play in any position in the forward line and on the fight side of midfield on the wing. At 1m.72 and weighing 71 kilogrammes, he has a low centre of gravity and can turn on a coin. He has been called the modern-day Jairzinho, Brazil's legendary Number 7, the same number Lucas wears when he plays for Brazil.

His youth career saw him dazzle the crowds at Juventus (1999-2002), then Corinthians (2002-2005) and finally, São Paulo (2005-2010) before he progressed to the SP senior team at the Morumbi Stadium. His international career has seen 11 appearances and ten goals for Brazil's Under-19s, 9 appearances and 4 goals for the Under-20s, one cap for the Under-23s and 15 for the senior team, with 1 goal.

At just nineteen years of age, he has already won a string of trophies, among these: The South American Under-20 Championship in 2010 and the Americas Super-Classic in 2011 with Brazil; The São Paulo Cup, the Nike Cup, the Under-14 São Paulo Championship, the Under-15 Brazilian Championship, the Revelation of the Brazilian Championship, best midfield player; Under-19s Atlantic Cup Golden Ball Award, Best Player in the Americas Super-Classic in 2011.

It looks like Fergie has done it again.

Timothy Bancroft-Hinchey

Pravda.Ru