Manchester United have not included Ander Herrera in as many games from the start as most would have expected following his outstanding season last term.
Nemanja Matic's arrival has complicated Jose Mourinho's midfield selection dilemma, but Herrera is a class act and has deputised for the injured Paul Pogba.
Herrera can walk away for nothing next season, though United do have a clause to extend the contract for another season.
Barcelona are monitoring developments though and will make a January move, putting pressure on the Red Devils to give the former Real Zaragoza star a pay rise and increased playing time once Pogba returns.
Jose Mourinho reveals when Zlatan Ibrahimovic will make his return to Manchester United side
Jose Mourinho expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be back playing for Manchester United before the end of the year.
Ibrahimovic has not played since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury back in April and was released by United before rejoining in a season-long deal.
The Swedish striker, who scored 28 goals last season before injury cut short his campaign, is continuing his recovery at United's AON Training Complex , with Mourinho confident he will be back by the end of 2017.
“Zlatan is here, under our control, working as I would expect, so, so hard, but he's not back in a week or a couple of weeks,” said Mourinho.
“Let's let him take his time and be back in the right moment. Do I think he will be back in 2017? Yes I do, but it's just a feeling.
“Paul Pogba is not here, I don't know when he comes back, when he is available, I don't know about it.”
Manchester United squad revealed for Huddersfield clash as Marcus Rashford overcomes injury scare
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford will be fit for this weekend's trip to Huddersfield after an injury scare.
The 19-year-old limped off in the Champions League win at Benfica on Wednesday with a knee issue, but Jose Mourinho has confirmed the forward will be available on Saturday.
United midfielders Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba all remain out through injury, as do Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo. Eric Bailly is also sidelined, while Phil Jones is pushing for a return.
"We have the same players as we had for the Benfica match," said Mourinho at his Friday press conference.
“Everybody knows every manager wants to have all the players available it’s just then a question of the way you position yourself in relation to that, the best way you think is to do it.