MARCOS SENNA is on his way to Manchester United from Villarreal — and has vowed to kick butt.
The Red Devils were given permission yesterday to speak to the tough midfielder after agreeing a £4million fee with the Spaniards.
Senna, 30, will sign a three-year deal worth £4.5m in wages and is expected to be unveiled as a United player this week.
He could even be at their open training session at Old Trafford on Friday at 11am.
United boss Alex Ferguson sees Brazil-born Senna, who played for Spain in the World Cup, as the perfect tough midfielder to complement the skills of Michael Carrick.
And last season Senna proved he has the b***s for a battle after playing almost a full Champions League game with blood oozing from his groin.
He took a whack between the legs in a tackle against Inter Milan but refused to go off — despite his yellow shorts turning red.
Opponents had better get ready for this fearsome figure, who admits his idol is former Brazil hardman Dunga.
Senna’s approach to football seems to be foul first and ask questions later.
And he said: “If I could be like Dunga I would be very happy. He could control a match and knew how to foul.”
Senna says he is not out to maim, just disrupt a game.
He said: “It’s part of the game. I don’t mean ugly fouls that can cause injury.
“Sometimes with a strong challenge you have to be ready to give your team the chance to reorganise and disrupt the rhythm of the opposition.”
These words will raise eyebrows at United, who had two players sent off on Friday.
They are waiting to hear the fate of Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes following their red cards against Porto in the Amsterdam Tournament.
If United appeal it is likely Rooney will be let off for his supposed push in the face of defender Pepe. But Scholes may be banned for the scything challenge on Quaresma that even Fergie slated.
Senna believes in England you can get away with fouls more than you can in Spain.
He added: “English referees are the best. They let much more go than in Spain. It’s fantastic.”
And Senna is no stranger to controversy as he was banned for 60 days in 2004 after testing positive for steroids following an Intertoto Cup game.
He claimed he accidentally applied something he should not have to an injury.
Senna said: “Anybody who knows me will tell you it was an innocent mistake.”
Carrick looks set to miss the start of the season after damaging ankle ligaments against Ajax on Saturday.
Fergie already has Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Gabriel Heinze struggling with injuries.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has accepted a recall for Norway’s friendly with Portugal after two years out of international football through injury.
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ca s´approche. pourtant o shea a souvent a mon grand malheur titularisé l´année derniére au millieu
