Herrera: We Must Respond To Derby Defeat

Ander Herrera wants Manchester United to respond to Saturday’s derby disappointment by putting on a display in the Europa League opener against Feyenoord.

The Reds were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City at Old Trafford and Herrera, who came on at half-time against the Blues, is calling for a reaction in Thursday’s encounter in Rotterdam.

"When you lose the derby, I cannot lie, it was a tough day, a very tough weekend for us and for our fans because it is a game your life depends on for the next week," Herrera admitted at a press conference in the Netherlands on Wednesday.

"I like to train but I prefer to play as many games as possible. After the defeat against Man City, we have the chance to fix it tomorrow. We want to do it, we want to show the fans we are here to win every game.

"This match is a good challenge for all of us. The way we have reacted we have to show in this traditional stadium against a historic team. I like football and I like to play against the best teams and Feyenoord is one of them in Holland."

Jose Mourinho confirmed he has rested several first-teamers for Thursday’s tie and Herrera feels squad rotation will be necessary if the Reds are to challenge for silverware this season.

The midfielder, who reached the final of this competition with Athletic Club in 2012, revealed every member of the squad is high on confidence – and that Mourinho should take great credit for that.

"We are very, very comfortable with this manager," Herrera added. "Every training session we are enjoying. I feel very good when I have played. I feel his confidence every day and I think all my team-mates are the same.

"He is very close with us so you feel important, you feel part of this. That's the most important thing – when you feel part of something and he is showing to all of us that he's going to give time to everyone.

"If you want to make a good season, if you want to win trophies, you cannot do it with 12, 13 players. Everyone is going to be important and everyone is going to get his moment. We have a good squad and we play with freedom because we feel the confidence of our manager."