Last laugh is on United’s Herrera
ANDER Herrera got a nutmeg from Luca Zidane, the 17-yearold son of the father of fancy footwork, Zinedine, in Berlin last weekend.
The Manchester United star laughed off being played like a Spanish guitar by Zizou junior at an adidas event that was part of festivities aligned with the Uefa Champions League final which saw Barcelona beat Juventus 3-1.
The first signing heralding the new era by Dutch manager Louis van Gaal, Herrera wants to see his side scale the same heights as the star-studded Catalans whose win at the Olympic Stadium completed a treble that was a perfect send- off for departing captain Xavi.
By contrast, United endured a barren season, but their fourthplace finish secured qualification to Europe’s elite competition in Van Gaal’s transition period.
“The first aim this [past] season was to be in the Champions League,” said the 25-year-old who joined United from Athletic Bilbao on a four-year contract last June.
“We are on the right road. We have to play pre-qualification. So we have to wait for the two games.
“It is the best competition in Europe and of course Manchester United has to be there.
“We have to respect our opponents because they also want it. But we are Manchester United.” In his maiden season as a Red Devil the midfielder hailed
I think I had a good season. It is very important to score more
as United’s best signing by Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes contributed eight goals in 31 appearances.
“I think I had a good season. It is very important to score more goals and with the confidence of playing in the Premier League.”
Herrera’s arrival was followed by other high-profile signings.
In came Argentine Angel di Maria and his countryman Marco Rojo; Daley Blind, who starred for Holland at the World Cup under Van Gaal as well as Radamel Falcao, the Colombian striker on loan from AS Monaco. Injuries hamstrung Di Maria while Falcao managed a paltry four goals and is on his way out.
But Herrera believes those staying behind will steer United to silverware.
“In the second part of the season we connected well with our coach. He is one of the best managers in the world. I want to learn a lot of things under him.
“We want to be as high as possible, play Champions League, win trophies because Manchester United must always be fighting for titles.