Herrera Appeals To United Fans

Ander Herrera has been voted Manchester United’s Player of the Month for April and the Spaniard is delighted, yet he is more focused on achieving his main goal this season.

Jose Mourinho’s men are determined to qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the Premier League’s top four or winning the Europa League. Both options are achievable, but success on the continent appears more likely after two disappointing top-flight results against Swansea City and Arsenal.

Celta Vigo visit Old Trafford on Thursday night for a vital Europa League semi-final, second-leg tie and we asked Herrera about the team's mindset heading into the season finale.

"The most important thing is to be in the Champions League next season; I have no doubt for this club it is very important to be in the Champions League," the midfielder said. 

"We have two titles – the Community Shield and League Cup – and we can have a very good season if we fight for the Europa League. But we have to be very respectful because Celta are very difficult opponents overall.

"They have scored away in every game they’ve played in the competition so we have to be aware of that. They are a very good team, very dangerous when they play away and we will need our fans at home. I tell them we really need them to create a good atmosphere, a difficult atmosphere for the opponents, who can push us to be in the final. It’s not going to be easy."

Herrera's award win came at the end of a month that featured nine games for United in all competitions, with his personal standout performance coming in the win over Chelsea.

Asked about managing his workload during a busy period, the 27-year-old replied: "Physically, you try to take care of yourself and try to rest when you have time to do it properly. Eat good and just behave as a professional and be ready for every game. 

"It’s not so easy when you have to play every three to four days and we are doing that because we are playing a final and a final and a final. We want to have a successful season and this is a crucial moment of the season."