Why Ander Herrera must NOT leave Manchester United for PSG!

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera could be on the way out of Old Trafford with French giants Paris Saint Germain reported to have made him an offer he cannot refuse. But since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival, the Spaniard has rediscovered his best form and should not be allowed to leave.

Last night Spanish newspaper MARCA confirmed an initial report in The Sun which suggested Paris Saint Germain have tabled wages of 173,000 euros a week in order to coax him away from Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Herrera first arrived in England in 2014, a year after three imposters tried to sign him, claiming to represent Manchester United. But it was Louis Van Gaal who officially brought him to the club from Athletic Bilbao.

The ever-passionate midfielder struggled to nail down a regular place under the management of the Dutchman, but he showed glimpses of his talent. It was as though Herrera hadn’t found his best position. Until Jose Mourinho came along.

Mourinho and Herrera clicked straight away. They were both guys who would do anything to win. Playing a deep-lying defensive midfield position, Herrera’s terrier-like qualities ensured he won the ball back as quickly as possible. His rise in form earnt him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for the 2016/17 season.

Just as Herrera’s place in the side seemed nailed down, Mourinho added Nemanja Matic to the squad, a player who the Portuguese-manager had worked with and rated highly at Chelsea. The following season, once again Herrera was used as a bit-part player, rarely starting matches consistently.

Mourinho wasn’t able to come up with a system or tactics which enabled Herrera, Matic and Paul Pogba to play together in a midfield three. A seemingly perfect blend, but so difficult to get right. However, Solskjaer has done just that.

The three men played in eight of Solskjaer’s first nine matches together and all three feature in United’s average starting XI this season (based on minutes played).

And yes, the headlines have gone to Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford because they have produced the numbers so far under Solskjaer, however, Ander Herrera has shown signs of his 2016/17 self and more.

Why it’s important to keep Herrera

Herrera has always spoken of his admiration and love for the club. Therefore, it would be a shock to see him go. Especially given how United appeared to be dishing out new contracts when Solskjaer first arrived.

It appeared as if every player whose contract was up come the end of the 2018/19 campaign would be offered a new deal. Simply because they wanted the new manager would then have a pick of the whole squad.

But now reports are breaking about players potentially leaving, does this suggest the Norwegian has already made it clear to Ed Woodward about which players he wants to bin? I’d suggest not. Herrera has been crucial to United’s revival this season and if he stays put, he will play a key part in their return to glory too.

I’d imagine he is a key figure off the field too. If you go by his post-match interviews, he doesn’t shy away from admitting when he and the team have not been good enough. He understands the standards and expectations set by a club the size of Manchester United.

Not only does he help the team mentally but his value on the pitch cannot be underestimated. He and Matic have shown their qualities as a pair, allowing Pogba to roam with more freedom higher up the pitch.

Herrera’s intensity in winning the ball back is integral to how Solskjaer wants United to play. The Spaniard matches the pressing done by the forward players to eventually force the opposition into a mistake – then the counter attack starts.

It would be a real shame to see Ander Herrera end his five-year spell at the club this summer, especially after whetting our appetite with is strong performances over the last few months. Despite turning 30 in August, Herrera’s passion, love, spirit and energy for the game and Manchester United is clear to see. It is also a rare sight in modern day football. mustn’t