Herrera Hopes For Repeat

Ander Herrera is hoping to see more red shirts on the streets of Manchester again after the 170th derby as United bid to repeat last season's victory over the Blues.

The in-form midfielder helped Louis van Gaal's men sink City 4-2 in April at Old Trafford and is understandably keen for a similar outcome and atmosphere this time around.

"I cannot wait for the game against City," he told MUTV. "It's a big derby game in front of our fans so it's a big week.

"It's a very passionate game - the city is half and half. I remember, last year, my friends came to the game from Spain and told me it was fantastic. There was red and blue with everyone in each shirt and, after the game, I remember, following our victory, we saw more reds in the street! It was good and hopefully we can repeat it.

"I tell our fans we need them behind us. It's not going to be easy but we have the quality to beat them. I remember that atmosphere [last season] was one of the best, maybe with the Liverpool game also. We didn't let our heads go down when they were better in the first 10-15 minutes. We were better and I think we showed it as it was 4-1 until they got the second goal late on."

The hectic schedule is not a concern to Herrera, who is pleased to be fully focused on playing football, even allowing for a midweek excursion to Moscow.

"It's a long trip, first of all, but, when you play in the Champions League, it's always nice to travel and nice to know the world," he said. "We didn't achieve the best result but now we are showing we have balance. When you cannot win, you don't lose and you keep your form, [we're doing this] much more than last year. So I think it's good. It means it's not so easy to beat us. When someone wants to beat Manchester United, they have to work a lot.

"We controlled the game and, I think, we only conceded two chances. That's good and we had a lot of ball possession. We scored in the second half, which was not easy as they were ahead and defending, so I think there were a lot of positive things.

"I prefer playing more than training!" he laughed. "It's good when you're playing a lot of games. It is good for everyone, all the players in the team are involved and everyone helps to achieve things. When you are playing three games, as we are doing this week, it's even better. You have no time to relax your mind."