According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have begun talks over a new deal for Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera. The former Athletic Bilbao midfielder has been linked with a return to the Spanish club but he has also reiterated his desire to stay and fight for his place (h/t Sky Sports).
He has made just 2 starts and 4 substitute appearances for the Red Devils since the season started. Herrera has also made just 1 start in the Champions League but United are struggling to get points this season. Jose Mourinho’s side is currently placed 8th after picking up just 20 points from their opening 12 games.
The manager has come under increasing pressure to perform over the last few weeks and though United did pull off a couple of comeback victories, the performances are yet to be better. Jose Mourinho did bring in a number of players in the summer of which none have managed to make a significant impact.
The arrival of Fred probably meant the end of Ander Herrera and though the Brazilian has clocked more time under Mourinho, he too has barely managed to impress. The likes of Marouane Fellaini, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba have all played more minutes than Herrera but it would be wise for United to hold onto him for the foreseeable future.
There’s no denying the Spaniard is a hardworking and determined footballer. He has often cut a frustrated figure in the last few matches but that is only due to the below-par performances from the club as a whole. Herrera is constantly shouting and trying to raise the atmosphere around the club.
The Spaniard has also shown that is he is capable of functioning in any role the manager wants him to occupy. Though Herrera was poor as a third centre-back against Tottenham Hotspur last month, it’s his attitude that requires praise. His work rate and ability to hassle other midfielders is what makes him stand out. The 29-year-old is also capable of dictating play and popping up with goals himself.
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Manchester United have a number of players who will be without a contract at the end of the summer but they should definitely hold onto Ander Herrera. Jose Mourinho cannot rely on the new signings since they are yet to settle completely into the league. And Herrera is a Premier League proven star and they should hold onto him.
