United pack a punch with right Ander
ANDER HERRERA says he wants to make himself part of the Old Trafford furniture after emerging as a key man in Manchester United’s push for a top- four fi nish.
United manager Louis van Gaal took his time to be convinced about Herrera’s credentials following his £ 29million signing from Athletic Blibao on a four- year deal last summer.
But the 25- year- old is now helping Michael Carrick and fellow Spaniard Juan Mata pull the strings in United’s midfi eld.
Herrera produced arguably his fi nest performance in a United shirt when scoring twice in Saturday’s 3- 1 win over Aston Villa, which edged Van Gaal’s side nearer their goal of Champions League qualifi cation.
Herrera, who has weighed in with seven goals this season, said: “I’m very happy. Even when I was not playing, I was also happy.
“I am at Manchester United and I feel really lucky to be here.
“The manager has to decide who is playing or not – and we have to respect the decision he makes. The manager wants the best for the team, the best for us and we have to follow him.
“When I signed for Manchester United, I was thinking of players such as Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, Rafael Da Silva and, although he is not here now, Darren Fletcher.
“These are people who have been playing for a long time for United. It’s my dream to be here for a long time because I am in the right team, in the right league and in the right country.
“I feel very happy and I want to stay at the club for many years to come.”