‘We’re Herr to win ...but second and FA Cup will do for now’

ANDER HERRERA says Manchester United can mark their season with a healthy eight out of 10 – IF they finish second in the Premier League and win the FA Cup.

United have endured a stop-start campaign and taken plenty of criticism over the year for poor results and unattractive performances.

But there’s a different atmosphere in the camp since they won at the Etihad last weekend, scuppering the noisy neighbours’ title party.

Manager Jose Mourinho has since called on people to show his side more respect, and midfielder Herrera insists things are looking up ahead of the visit by West Brom today.

Herrera said: “At United, the obligation every season is to fight for the title, so I understand that people are not 100 per cent happy with how this campaign has gone.

“We have been putting in everything we can on the field, the season is not over.

“We still have a chance to progress, we can finish second and we have the challenge of the FA Cup as well.”

Herrera refuses to be harsh on his team-mates when marking the season out of 10.

He admitted: “It was very tough for us when we were knocked out of the Champions League by Sevilla, that was a low point.

“But my mark at the minute is seven out of 10.

“And if we win the FA Cup I’d increase it to an eight.”

Despite that, the Spaniard knows United fans will want even more next year – and can’t face another season looking up at their derby rivals.

“I understand how they feel,” added Herrera (above). “I want to see United on top of the table too.

“If I’m honest, the other clubs don’t matter to me at all. But for United fans, I know it’s difficult to see City above us at the top. So we have to put it right.

“In my mind United are good enough to be champions, and that’s our aim next season. It’s very important because this is one of the best clubs in the world.

“We know what is expected.”

In the meantime, United’s goals for the remainder of this season are very clear: maintain their place as runners-up in the league and lift a trophy at Wembley.

“We are on target,” insisted Herrera. “I am convinced we will beat Liverpool in the race for second place.

“Then the FA Cup is our chance to get a trophy this season. It won’t be easy in the semi-final against Tottenham, but it’s a big goal now for the players.

“After that we have to think about next season. We need to change the history of recent years.”

Achieving that won’t be easy given City’s recent rise and the progress they are still making under Pep Guardiola, despite last weekend’s derby defeat.

But Herrera is convinced that City won’t be champions forever.

He said: “I’m not worried about that. Things change all the time in football and the champion changes too. City will not always be top. It’s up to us to respond.”

It looks like United will do exactly that amid rumours boss Mourinho will get a huge budget to revamp his squad.

Herrera said: “I don’t know about that. As players we always welcome new signings. But we also know that this club has to fight for the title.”