Herrera Hopes To Retain FA Cup

Ander Herrera wants Manchester United to "fight for every trophy" this season, and is determined to get the FA Cup defence off to a positive start against Reading this weekend.

The Reds saw off lower-league opposition in Sheffield United, Derby County and Shrewsbury Town on the way to a record-equalling 12th triumph in the competition back in May. It all starts again on Saturday with another test against the Royals, who currently sit third in the Championship.

While Jose Mourinho's men are favourites to progress to the fourth round, Herrera says Reading should not be underestimated under the management of popular former Reds defender Jaap Stam.

"I have already played against Championship teams at home," Herrera told MUTV. "Middlesbrough beat us [in the EFL Cup] last season, for example, so we have to respect Reading. It’s a big day for them, they come with, to be honest, nothing to lose and that makes them even more dangerous.

"But, we are United, we have to fight for every trophy and at home against Reading we have the obligation to try to win, to score goals and to get to the next round. They are a strong team and are high in the table so it will be difficult, but it’s a big tournament for us and we want to get to the next round.

"Jaap Stam was an important player for this club and now he manages Reading so he will know how to motivate his players, which means they will be dangerous."

Herrera has often spoken about his love for the FA Cup since joining United from Athletic Club in 2014 and, when asked about his memories of lifting the trophy in May, the midfielder explained why the victory over Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium will remain unforgettable.

"It's a fantastic trophy and fantastic tournament," he said. "I will never forget winning it because it was my first trophy with United at Wembley. It was a fantastic day for us, we scored in the last five or 10 minutes, Jesse [Lingard] scored a fantastic goal, we had 10 men… it was a special day.

"When you think about the way you want to win then of course you want to win earlier and be more relaxed at the end, but the feeling after the game when you score in the last few minutes is fantastic, especially with 10 men against a good side."