Herrera: Why I'm A Harsh Critic

Ander Herrera has been lavished with praise since his all-action display in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Chelsea, yet the increasingly-influential Manchester United midfielder will not take any notice. In fact, he is more likely to ignore the spotlight that shines brightly upon him.

The 27-year-old won the Man of the Match award at Old Trafford after setting up Marcus Rashford’s opening goal, scoring a crucial second goal after half-time and personally shackling Eden Hazard.

Yet in his pre-match interview with the matchday programme, United Review, Herrera spoke passionately about his form this season and the reasons why he prefers not to acknowledge compliments that come his way. In fact, he said the fans will only remember him if the team finishes the campaign on a high…

You’ve had an excellent season so far and registered more starts than in your two previous campaigns with United, so how do you evaluate 2016/17 on a personal level?
I am happy with my development and I am happy with my performances, but people remember the end of the season and now we are in the crucial moment. There are still eight Premier League games and hopefully four more Europa League games. Nobody will remember this part of the season if I don’t perform well at the end. I am happy but I am not finished yet.

We get the impression you are a harsh critic of yourself – is that a fair assessment?
I like to demand a lot of myself because I feel I can give more, and more, and more to the team. I am happy and I think it is the right attitude. So far has been okay for me but I still have to show I can give more. The team will need me if I am on the pitch. I am a team player, I want to give everything for the manager and I don’t look back. I just look forward. The next month and a half is the most important time of my career. That is the way I think and that is the way I see football. Also, when everyone is telling you you’re having a great season, you’re having a very good game, you’re playing very well, I don’t think it is good for yourself so I don’t listen too much. I want to be focused on what is coming and that is very important. I want to play in the Champions League next season.

How big an influence has Jose Mourinho been on you, both on and off the pitch?
I am very thankful to him. This season has been the most regular one for me at the club and that is with Mourinho on the bench. I am very happy. He gave me, from the first day, a lot of confidence and he told me I was going to be an important player for him. I will always be thankful but football changes. We have great players and Manchester United has the capacity to sign big players, so I cannot sleep. I have to keep working, performing and giving what the manager wants me to give.