Ander Herrera believes the competition for places in Manchester United’s midfield is having a positive impact on his performances.
The Spaniard returned from injury and was instrumental in Louis van Gaal’s side’s convincing 3-0 win away to Everton on Saturday, the former Athletic Bilbao man nodding in United’s second then assisting Wayne Rooney for the third goal.
Herrera was deployed in the number 10 role with summer signings Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger playing the holding roles, the Spanish midfielder eventually replaced by Michael Carrick late on but Herrera was quick to praise the impact his midfield compatriots are having on his game.
“When you play with the best players you take advantage of that, like we did. This is good for me, good for the club.
“I always think the same way. When the club signs top players you are going to take advantage of that and that is what I’m doing.
“You have [Schweinsteiger] and also Michael Carrick and they are very experienced guys. I think Morgan and me can learn a lot from them.
“I think we were very comfy and when Michael came in also the same. We are similar players. We understand football the same way.”
Herrera will be delighted to be back in the 20-times champions’ starting line-up after overcoming an injury during the international break.
However the Spaniard is well aware that he needs to maintain the high standards he has set to continue to produce his best for Dutchman Van Gaal.
“I have trained really hard in these two weeks.
“I wanted to play as soon as possible and the manager gave me the chance. I enjoyed the chance he gave to me and I want to keep helping the team.
“I am a team player and when I play I will do my best.”
After being in and out of the United side so far this season Herrera is keen to establish himself as a regular in Van Gaal’s starting 11, however the Euro 2016 hopeful is mindful that due to the level of competition for midfield places he can ill afford any slip ups.
“I scored and got an assist, so I can enjoy. I am very happy. I want to be a top player and I have to play like this always.
“You want to always be in the team but this is Manchester United. You have to play really good if you want to be in the team every day, so that’s what I want to do.”
United’s focus now switches to Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League clash at CSKA Moscow and Herrera believes it is fundamental the players don’t lose concentration before the tie.
“We are very proud, we are very happy for this victory (over Everton) but we don’t have too much time to enjoy this.
“We have to go to Russia in the week and the group is still very equal.”
Image courtesy of Best Football Highlights via YouTube, with thanks.
