Ander Herrera: We want to fight for the Premier League title
Manchester United’s Ander Herrera has made it clear what the Red Devils intentions are for this season as the club prepares for a testing year ahead.
The Spanish midfielder spoke to the press after United’s recent 3-0 pre-season win over Valerenga, which he took part in during the second half. Herrera echoed his manager in stating that the team will challenge for the title this season but that it won’t be easy either.
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“I know we have to improve in the Premier League, but we were the only team to win three pieces of silverware last season so we have to say that as well. In the Premier League we have to improve, we want to fight for the title, but we know it’s not going to be easy to repeat the three titles.” he said in his post match interview.
Manchester United ended last season in 6th place but still managed to qualify for this season’s edition of the Champions League by winning the Europa League. Manager Jose Mourinho focussed on European efforts rather than the league in a bid to qualify. For fans who are worried about Herrera’s fitness ahead of the UEFA Super Cup final against Real Madrid, he had calming words to say.
“I’m good. It was OK because it was not so painful, just a kick on my hip. The first two days I was really bad but now I’m better again and feel that I can play more than 45 minutes. I’m happy, but now we have to be ready for the UEFA Super Cup, which is another title to fight for.”
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The former Athletico Bilbao man has proven himself to be a key man for United last season with even some fans calling for him to be named captain after Rooney’s departure to Everton was confirmed this window.
Making over 40 appearances in total for Mourinho, it seems that the manager rates him quite highly as well, often playing him alongside star signing Paul Pogba. Although previous manager Louis Van Gaal, who signed him, didn’t seem to like him, Herrera has really managed to kick his Manchester United career on.
In his prime at the age of 27 now, it would appear that Ander is ready to have an even greater season this time around but with competition for spaces heating up, it’ll be interesting to see if he can still keep his place. Chelsea man Matic seems to be incredibly close to a move to Old Trafford with an official announcement expected shortly.
Next: Pre-Season Recap: Manchester United 3-0 Valerenga
Should the move be confirmed, Herrera may actually be released of the defensive duties asked of him last season and can perhaps focus more on his ability to dictate play alongside Pogba. Although he’s more than capable of being a ball-winning midfielder, Ander’s 7 assists last season prove there’s more to him than just tackling. Will we see more next season?