Herrera Benefitting From Midfield Battle

Ander Herrera insists the competition provided by experienced midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Carrick is driving him to perform well for Manchester United.

The Spaniard returned from injury to star in the Reds’ 3-0 win over Everton on Saturday, nodding in the second goal before sending Wayne Rooney through for the final strike of a pleasing afternoon.

Having featured to great effect in front of Morgan Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger, United’s no.21 made way for Carrick in the 74th minute and Herrera feels his replacement’s reading of the game, along with that of the Reds’ other midfield operators, ensured it was a comfortable encounter at Goodison Park for the visitors.

“You take advantage of that,” the 26-year-old said of the competition in the middle of the park. “When you play with the best players you take advantage of that like we did. This is good for me, good for the club. I always think the same way. When the club signs top players you are going to take advantage of that and that is what I’m doing.

“You have [Schweinsteiger] and also Michael Carrick and they are very experienced guys. I think Morgan and me can learn a lot from them. I think we were very comfy and when Michael came in also the same. We are similar players. We understand football the same way.”

While Herrera is pleased with his contribution to the three points sealed on Merseyside, the midfielder was keen to stress he’ll continue working hard, as he has done over the October international break, to be the best he can be for United.

“I have trained really hard in these two weeks,” he continued. “I wanted to play as soon as possible and the manager gave me the chance. I enjoyed the chance he gave to me and I want to keep helping the team. I am a team player and when I play I will do my best.

“I scored and got an assist, so I can enjoy. I am very happy. I want to be a top player and I have to play like this always. You want to always be in the team but this is Manchester United. You have to play really good if you want to be in the team every day, so that’s what I want to do.

“I think people are happy with me and they value me because I always try to give everything for the team. I am really proud because I am at Manchester United and I will try to do my best to establish myself in the first team.”