Manchester United have triggered their option on Ander Herrera's contract.

The Spain international's deal was due to finish next summer but he is now tied to the Old Trafford club until 2019.

Atletico Madrid have been showing interest in the 28-year-old but Herrera is happy in Manchester and wants to continue working with coach Jose Mourinho.

Ander Herrera is now under contract until 2019 after Man United triggered a clause in his deal

Herrera's contract had just seven months left to run before the extension clause was activated

Herrera's representatives have held discussions with United over a longer contract but by taking up the extra year option now, the club protects their asset until talks resume.

The former Athletic Bilbao midfielder is a key performer for Mourinho even though the arrival of Nemanja Matic and return of Paul Pogba have restricted his first team starts this season.

He won the club's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in May and was voted man of the match in their Europa League final win over Ajax.

United are expected to trigger similar options with Juan Mata, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Daley Blind, though Marouane Fellaini seems destined to leave on a free transfer at this stage.

United will likely trigger similar options with Juan Mata (above), Luke Shaw and Ashley Young