Manchester United's decade of midfield misery: From the departure of Roy Keane, through the signings of Eric Djemba-Djemba and Anderson, to the the exit of Paul Pogba

Manchester United's midfield is at its weakest for years say some, but the problems in the middle of the park have been festering for a decade

As Manchester United fans prepare to say goodbye to Anderson, there will be few who look back on his six-and-a-half years at the club with fondness.

United's midfield is arguably in its worst shape for years and the club are 11 points off the top of the table. But then again it would be hard to put the blame for the club's midfield malaise solely at the £20m arrival's door.

The defending Premier League champions have long had problems in the middle of the park, but just never quite managed to address them.

Many people believe, and with fairly good reason, that Manchester United’s midfield problems stem from never managing to find an adequate replacement for Roy Keane before or after he left the club.

Here, we guide you through the tale of United's midfield woe, including the signing of Kleberson, the inconsistency of Tom Cleverley, the desperate need to drag Paul Scholes out of retirement and the madness of allowing Paul Pogba to leave.