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Ander Herrera still feels valued by Jose Mourinho despite limited game time this season
Ander Herrera is convinced he retains the trust and support of Jose Mourinho, despite being largely overlooked by the Manchester United manager so far this season.
Herrera has started just one Premier League game since the summer arrival of fellow midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea, while Marouane Fellaini was picked ahead of him in the 4-0 win against Everton on Sunday, despite Paul Pogba’s absence through injury.
The Spaniard was named United’s player of the year last season after establishing himself as a key part of Mourinho’s midfield.
But reports emerged last week that Herrera’s lack of game time this term was linked in part to a dressing down he received from the manager towards the end of last season.
Herrera was said to have innocently invited a friend with close links to Celta Vigo to United’s Carrington training ground shortly before the club’s Europa League semi-final against the Spanish side, a move that did not go down well with Mourinho.
But Herrera, whose representatives are still in talks over a new contract for the midfielder, insists he is as happy as ever at Old Trafford and is still being made to feel important by Mourinho. There were also some encouraging signs for Herrera on Sunday when Mourinho praised the player’s influence after coming on as a second half substitute.
“I feel as important as I did last season,” he said. “I am a team player and I always say that and if the manager decides to keep me on the bench I will be ready. I said that last season and it is the same now. I know how lucky I am to play for Manchester United. I will try to enjoy every minute I have on the pitch. I want to win titles and feel part of the team and feel important and I really do feel important because the manager makes me feel important.”
The Telegraph reported in July how Arturo Canales, Herrera’s agent, began negotiations with United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward during the final week of the club’s 18-day tour of the US and there remains a willingness on behalf of both parties to reach an agreement. Herrera is out of contract next summer but United have an option to extend his deal until June 2019.
Herrera said he welcomed the arrival of Matic and is determined to make a lasting impression at United, despite accepting he cannot expect to play all the time.
“I can learn from Nemanja and from Felly [Fellaini], he has some abilities that we don't have in midfield. Paul Pogba is our most free midfielder and I can learn from him as well,” Herrera said.
“Felly was outstanding against Everton. Nemanja has been very good in every game and I am just going to be ready when the manager wants me to play. I am happy to be part of Manchester United. When you play for the biggest club it is not so easy to play every game, every minute.
“When I see Nemanja, Felly or Paul of course it is a motivation for me. My team-mates make me a better player and I think I make them better players. This is a team and when I retire I want to be remembered in this club. This is the way I have to follow. I work hard on the pitch and in training every day and I will never regret my time here.”