Manchester United Analysis: The rise of Ander Herrera

Manchester United's Ander Herrera during the Premier League match at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
Manchester United's Ander Herrera during the Premier League match at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Aug 4, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata (center) celebrates his goal with defender Chris Smalling (12) and Ander Herrera (21) in the second half of a game against Liverpool at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata (center) celebrates his goal with defender Chris Smalling (12) and Ander Herrera (21) in the second half of a game against Liverpool at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Struggling for Action

Herrera was bought from Athletic Bilbao as United triggered his buyout clause in 2014. The purchase was appreciated by experts and supporters alike. A box to box midfielder was required after the departure of club legends Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. His inclusion to the team was to be a sign of good things to come. The only problem was that Herrera was not a Van Gaal pick. LVG was busy managing the Netherlands for the World Cup while the United brass carried out the transfer for him.

As the Red Devils labored through dull matches under his management, Herrera was a surprise scapegoat. The Dutch was unwilling to play him even though he contributed with his short cameos too. Every minute spent on the pitch, he spent it passionately. Not trusted with the responsibility by the Dutch manager, the Spaniard struggled to find his true self under his tutelage. It was safe to assume that a great potential could have been ruined by the lack of game time.