Why Herrera Loves Away Ties

Ander Herrera is relishing another “special” away game on Friday night when Manchester United visit Derby County in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup, with the midfielder admitting he loves the challenge of playing at other grounds in the competition.

The Spanish midfielder found the net in two of last season's FA Cup matches on the road, firstly with a stunning strike at Yeovil Town and then again with a neat finish in the win at Preston North End.

United eventually bowed out at the quarter-final stage following a narrow defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford, which was much to Herrera’s disappointment after he had taken a keen interest in learning about the history of English football’s oldest cup competition.

Having overcome Sheffield United at home in the third round earlier this month, Louis van Gaal’s men travel to Championship side Derby. Herrera has good memories of last season’s away matches and hopes to create more positive memories against the Rams on Friday evening.

“FA Cup away games are always special, I don’t know why but they are. It’s a competition our fans love and we love it also,” he told MUTV. “We play Derby who are near the top of the Championship and that means they will be very tough at home. I have watched some Championship games and they are very tough games. They are a good, strong team and it’s a big day for them playing Man United.

“I have very good memories of last season and the away games we played in the Cup. Our fans were fantastic in the away games and I could score in two games, so I’m looking forward to this next game.”