Upon the arrival of Jose Mourinho to Old Trafford and the subsequent signings of Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan many had expectations that this would be Manchester United’s year to win the Premier League title. It hasn’t quite panned out that way and although the club are unbeaten in their last 14 league matches they still sit in a mediocre 6th place, looking desperately close to missing out on the top four for the third time in four seasons. However, one man continues to stand out regardless of the circumstance that the Red Devils find themselves in and it is finally time to eulogize him.

Ander Herrera has arguably been Manchester United’s star performer this season and with the Red Devils now extending their unbeaten run in the league to 14 games, the Spanish midfielder is really starting to get the recognition that he deserves. Herrera, not Pogba, has been the controlling force in United’s recent displays, filling the Carrick role when the 35-year old midfielder isn’t in the team and making the right side of the three his own when he is. In January, Manchester United had a tough time seeing out games, drawing 3 out of their 4 matches; but it was never the fault of the Spanish midfielder who was always involved in the good and not the bad from Mourinho’s side. Herrera appeared in all 4 matches in January, playing every single minute and assisting 1 goal from 6 chances created. He also dominated the midfield with 288 successful passes, 87% of those he attempted and was crucial for United in defense, making 17 interceptions and 6 clearances. He even had 100% of his shots on target in January, proving to be effective in every aspect of the game without scoring a goal or making the headlines.

It has been a similar story for Herrera all season long as he has formed a formidable partnership with both Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick. As previously mentioned if it’s Pogba who has sat beside him in midfield, Herrera has been incredibly disciplined in holding the midfield, hardly putting a foot wrong in those 9 matches. But it’s been when Michael Carrick has been in the team when Herrera has truly been able to showcase his talent, showing off his incredible passing ability and grabbing four assists from that position. Wherever he’s played, he’s been a star for United in both attack and defense and with impressive statistics like 2.6 tackles per game, 3.2 interceptions per game and 1,261 total passes (the third most in the league) it is no wonder why everyone is starting to take notice of his ability. He might not be the flashiest of midfielders; he might not have the flare and leopard print hair of Paul Pogba; but Ander Herrera is a very effective player for Jose Mourinho’s side and is the driving force that is making them tick this season.

Ander Herrera is an amazing player, is soaring to new heights under Jose Mourinho, is rising up the ranks in the The Mastermind Top 200 Club and has been so good for Manchester United that they now simply cannot go without him.

For more articles like this, click the Follow button!