Herrera Reflects On Tough Day

Ander Herrera admitted it was one of the toughest days of his career after being sent off in Manchester United’s goalless draw with Burnley on Saturday.

The Reds dominated the game but could not find a way past inspired former United keeper Tom Heaton in the Clarets goal during the stalemate at Old Trafford.

And, although he insisted they were unlucky, Herrera told reporters after the game he was left wondering how the Reds failed to claim all three points following a host of opportunities and 37 shots at goal.

“It was unbelievable,” he said. “I was speaking with Juan [Mata] and we both agreed we have never experienced something like that on the pitch. We created 20 or 22 chances, we controlled the game for 90 minutes and to not score is unbelievable. We had the luck against us and hopefully, one day, we can get a fair result like a 5-0 or 6-0 win.”

Herrera was dismissed after 68 minutes by referee Mark Clattenburg following two challenges on Dean Marney but insisted he didn’t intend to cause any harm.

“I didn’t want to make both of the fouls, I’m not a violent player. First yellow card, I bent my knee and didn’t want to kick the opponent. The second, I slipped,” said the 27-year-old.

Saturday’s frustrating result meant the Reds have drawn the last two home league games against sides in the Premier League’s bottom half, Stoke and Burnley.

Although Herrera is concerned the dropped points may prove costly later in the season, the Spaniard believes the Reds must maintain the level of home performance shown in recent weeks.

“Of course, we want to fight for everything,” the midfielder said. “We have lost four points that we should have won easily but this is football and the Premier League. I don’t know if a team has been unlucky as we have been in this game.

“The dressing room was completely disappointed because of the way we played. We have to keep our heads up because we’ve done a lot of good things.

“We have to keep going, we cannot cry or complain. We just have to keep playing the way we did today, against Liverpool, Stoke and Fenerbahce. I think we are in the right way but today is one of the toughest days of my career because we deserved to win 6-0 but it was difficult.”

Despite the result, Herrera – who claimed last week he feels the passion like the club’s fans – reserved praise for a number of his colleagues, including fellow countryman Mata, who wore the captain’s armband.

“He’s a top player – it’s so easy to play with him. He always gives me the ball in the right condition and he played fantastic. Everyone did very well. I want to speak about Luke Shaw as well because he did fantastic and we need him.

“Marcus Rashford played very good and Marcos Rojo played fantastic. Only Paul Pogba can do what he did today [against Burnley] in the second half and the personality he showed on the pitch is unbelievable.”

The Reds face away trips to Fenerbahce and Swansea this week before the international break – and Herrera is focused on picking up maximum points in those games, although he will be suspended for the game in Wales next Sunday.

He added: “The way I think is to win the next game – Fenerbahce. Win and deserve to win. Swansea – deserve to win and win. To think long term is wrong. Hopefully we can get a few wins in a row.”