Ander Herrera to quit Manchester United for Atletico Madrid

Ander Herrera has had a rollercoaster 2017 at Manchester United.

Herrera’s struggles at Manchester United this season could see him move to Atletico Madrid when his contract expires at the end this current season, per the Daily Mail.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Ander Herrera of Manchester United scores his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 16, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

The Red Devils Player of the year last season, Herrera has found life a little tougher in Mourinho’s second season at the helm. The arrival of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea has seen him relegated to the bench. He’s only recently garnered playing time because of Paul Pogba’s injury.

Herrera is a great player. He is physical, passionate, and can play a killer through ball.

However, the allure of returning to his home country of Spain could be too much to resist. Diego Simeone is reloading his Atletico Madrid squad for next season, with Diego Costa set to join once their transfer ban is lifted.

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With his contract expiring in June, that makes him available to discuss pre-contracts with teams in January. And Simeone is preparing just for that should United not get a deal inked with him.

Simeone is a long-time admirer of Herrera, and is willing to build his midfield around him. He’s a player with obvious class, and if he continues to struggle for playing time under Mourinho he could very easily exit next summer on a free.

It would be a shame for Manchester United to lose such an integral player. He’s been fantastic for the club since Louis van Gaal brought him in from Bilbao in summer 2014.

Herrera is United through and through. He loves this club. You can see it with the passion in which he undertakes each game.

But if he’s not playing, then it’s understandable if he wants to switch — especially to a team where he’s wanted.

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He’s entering the prime of his career and needs to be on the pitch. And unfortunately for United, that could very well be in Spain next season.