Herrera's United Story So Far

Player of the Year Ander Herrera has firmly established himself as a fans' favourite since joining Manchester United from Athletic Club in 2014.

It's been a remarkable rise for the Spaniard, who has become the heartbeat of the Reds midfield, and whose passion and work ethic have seen him touted as a possible future captain in some quarters.

With the promise of yet more dominant displays to come when the new Premier League season begins against West Ham on 12/13 August, there's no doubt that supporters have plenty to look forward to from Herrera in 2017/18.
Below, we take an in-depth look at Ander's United story so far...

2014/15
Herrera joined United in June 2014 to become the first new arrival of Louis van Gaal's time at Old Trafford. Although it was a wrench to leave his local club, the midfielder described the move as a "dream come true".

He endured a stop-start to life in Manchester but, once Ander found his rhythm in the New Year, he never looked back. His energy and quickness of thought soon shone through, with his willingness to track back and defend an important trait. It is going forward, however, where Ander really impressed during his maiden season. Chipping in with eight goals, including a howitzer in the FA Cup against Yeovil Town, he was an ever-present in the last three months of the campaign, playing a crucial role in helping the Reds to secure fourth place and a Champions League berth for 2015/16. He also volleyed the last goal of the campaign in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal and developed into a key cog in the United machine.

2015/16
In his second season at the club, Herrera showed further signs that he was becoming a more complete player and was successfully adapting to the physical demands of English football. His presence on the pitch was far from continuous but he still managed to make 27 starts across all competitions and a further 14 as substitute; he also scored five goals, including a header in arguably his best game of the season – the 3-0 away win over Everton in October. As well as netting the Reds’ second effort at Goodison Park, he also set up Wayne Rooney for the third strike and was a worthy Man of the Match.

The Spaniard can also recall with satisfaction an exciting 3-2 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford, when he notched what proved to be the winner with a superb strike from outside the box. Herrera also scored against Liverpool (3-1, home), Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifier (4-0, away) and Midtjylland in the Europa League (5-1, home). 

What’s more, Herrera provided two crucial assists in the latter stages of the FA Cup campaign. United were trailing 1-0 to West Ham in the home quarter-final tie until he created the equaliser for Anthony Martial, a combination that paid off again late on in the semi-final against Everton. Although he was an unused substitute for the final, he still collected a winner’s medal and later declared: “This is the best achievement of my career so far.”

2016/17
Last season would prove to be Ander's best since moving to Manchester, as the Spaniard made 51 appearances in all competitions, playing a vital role as the Reds secured three pieces of silverware. Herrera helped kickstart United's triumphant EFL Cup campaign with a fierce strike during a 3-1 win at Northampton Town, a sign of things to come from the midfielder.

The 27-year-old was crucial to United's club record 25-game unbeaten run, notching four of his 10 assists for the season against Fenerbahce, Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham in the lead-up to Christmas. Perhaps the most important of the lot, however, came during the EFL Cup final against Southampton at Wembley, as he crossed invitingly for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to head a late winner. 

Ander wasn't finished there, and saved his best performance of the season for Chelsea's Premier League visit to Old Trafford in April. The Spaniard created one goal and scored another during a Man-of-the-Match performance against the champions-elect, a display swiftly followed up with another assist, for Martial, in a 2-0 win over Burnley. 

Following his consistently solid displays, Herrera was deservedly recognised by fans last month, pipping Antonio Valencia to the club's Player of the Year award to cap an excellent individual campaign. There could have been no better boost ahead of the Europa League final in Stockholm and, just six days later, Ander would get his hands on yet another trophy. Continuing his imperious form alongside Paul Pogba, he helped the Reds to a 2-0 win over Ajax, one which ensured the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford for 2017/18. He was also awarded the UEFA Man of the Match accolade for his performance.

Supporters will hope for more of the same from Ander and United for many years to come.