It has been a season full of inconsistencies for Manchester United. The 20-time English champions have been marred by a series of ineffective displays at home and hence find themselves in the sixth-place in the Premier League table in their first season under Jose Mourinho.
United have shown glimpses of the devastating force that they can be if they perform at the fullest, but such displays haven’t come consistently enough this season. While the defence has looked extremely solid, it is the attacking third that has been a cause of concern for Mourinho, with the Red Devils finding it difficult to find the back of the net.
However, one player who has been at the top of his game throughout the season and has been one of the most consistent performers for the Red Devils is Ander Herrera. The Spaniard has been an ever-present in the middle of the park under Jose and has won hearts and plaudits for his excellent performances in the midfield this season.
So, what concerns the United faithful at this point is that Herrera’s contract with the club is set to expire in the summer of 2018. But with just over a year left on his deal, the club is yet to begin negotiations over a new deal with the former Athletic Bilbao man.
Speaking to the media about his situation, Herrera went on to claim that he is definitely willing to extend his stay and is waiting for the club to enter negotiations. He said:
“I have nothing to talk about. Of course, if they want to talk with me, I will be very happy to do that. But so far, nothing.”
Herrera will enter the final year of his contract in the summer and that will make him, in theory, eligible to negotiate with other clubs. Here we give you three reasons why Jose should make it his top priority to see that the 27-year old signs an extension at United:
Consistent and Reliable
Herrera was hardly used by Jose Mourinho in the early parts of the season. He had to wait until the end of September for his first league start, but since then the Spaniard has established himself as one of the key men in the United squad.
The 27-year old has made 31 appearances across all competitions this term and has scored one goal and has notched up an impressive 7 assists so far. Effective at both ends of the field, Herrera has been aiding his teammates in attack, while displaying great energy in pressing his opponents in the middle of the park and helping out defensively as well.
The Spanish international provides the much-needed energy and dynamism in the middle of the park for United. Having been a bit-part player under Louis Van Gaal, Herrera has won Mourinho’s trust and has become one of the first few names on the teamsheet and deserves to be rewarded for his performances.
Fan Favourite
Herrera, with his displays and behaviour on and off the field, has endeared himself to the fans and has rightly become one of the most loved stars of the squad among the United faithful.
The energy that he brings onto the pitch, the way he works his socks off in the middle of the park, and literally leaves everything on the field is widely appreciated by the United fans. One can sense by his attitude that he loves being at United and loves playing for the team and that has been reflecting in his performances this season. His presence in the midfield has allowed Michael Carrick and Paul Pogba to prosper this term.
His incessant pressing off the ball, his presence of mind and creativity in the attacking half and his immense work-rate has made him a hit around Old Trafford and the fans will be heavily displeased if the Spaniard isn’t offered a new deal soon.
The Next Leader in the Midfield
A lot has been said about Carrick’s advancing age and there has been much fuss made over his contract situation. The Englishman’s current deal with the club expires at the end of the season and United haven’t shown any inkling towards offering an extension till date. Even if a new contract is agreed upon, the former Tottenham man will not feature as regularly as this term.
If Carrick decides to call curtains on his time at Old Trafford, keeping Herrera becomes much more essential for the Red Devils. The Spaniard has shown this season that he is ready to take up the mantle of the leader in the midfield. A vocal presence on the field and someone who gives his 100%, the Spaniard could emerge as the new leader of the pack for Jose Mourinho’s side in the coming years, which is why United should not delay in offering Herrera a new and improved deal.
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