Ander Herrera was drafted in as a late replacement for Anthony Martial

The stifling Norwich heat left Ander Herrera unable to talk to his Manchester United team-mates.

Herrera, drafted in as a late replacement for the injured Anthony Martial at Carrow Road, could barely get his words out as they crept past the relegation certs.

Juan Mata’s second-half goal was enough to settle it as United go into the season’s final week with a top-four finish in their own hands.

Ander Herrera of Manchester United gathers his breath during the 1-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday

The midfielder (right) says the Norwich heat left him with difficulty communicating as the game wore on

Louis van Gaal was left sweating until the 72nd minute as Mata swept in a winner - and the soaring temperatures were a hindrance to his squad.

Herrera claimed communicating was difficult as the game wore on.

‘The weather has changed suddenly so it was tough but finally we won,’ he said. ‘We created more chances than them, we controlled the ball overall in the second half and we were the better team.

‘In Spain the weather does not change so quickly. It was so tough I couldn’t speak with my team-mates because my mouth was so dry.

Herrera (centre left) celebrates with Marcos Rojo and the rest of the United team at the final whistle

‘We are still in the race, we put some pressure on Manchester City and we are fighting until the end. We are still in the race for the Champions League.’

United are now two wins away from an improbable Champions League qualification given Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

A win at West Ham on Tuesday night will see them leapfrog Manuel Pellegrini’s side going into the final day.

Mata said: ‘We have to do our duty and win our games and wait and see. We did that and I am very happy to have scored.’



