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Ander Herrera would relish an extended run as Manchester United's playmaker after he made a goalscoring return to the starting line-up against Club Brugge.

The midfielder started the Champions League play-off second leg as a holding midfielder alongside Michael Carrick, where his attacking impetus was restricted.

Adnan Januzaj's half-time withdrawal for Bastian Schweinsteiger pushed Herrera further forward and the 26-year-old netted his ninth goal in 23 United starts.

Herrera cemented his place in the starting XI at Swansea last season and is hoping to do likewise at The Liberty Stadium this Sunday - possibly behind Wayne Rooney.

"I am happy playing," Herrera said. "If I have to play holding midfielder I will do.

"Last season I think I played more as the midfielder than as a No.10 but if I have to play as No.10 I try to help the team scoring, assisting and this is the way I have to take."

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Herrera signalled his willingness to switch between midfield and attack throughout the campaign when asked where he prefers to play.

"I think dependable of the game, dependable of the opponent," he replied.

"Sometimes when you play against an opponent who is attacking you, maybe it's better to play No.10, if you are playing against a team who is waiting for you, maybe it's better playing as holding midfielder. But I say always the same, I will play where my manager wants me to play.

"I can say I am going to be ready to play when the manager wants me to play, and I think about the team, not about me.

"I think I try to help my teammates, I try to offer myself when my teammates have the ball and this is the way I play. I'm a team player, I don't think about me, I think about the team.

"We are now in the draw tomorrow and if I score, of course, I am very happy but the most important thing is the team.

Asked if his goalscoring start heralded a turning point in his United career, Herrera refused to offer a knee-jerk response.

"Time will say," Herrera replied. "If the manager wants me to play I am going to be ready, if the manager wants me to wait and wait for my moment I am going to wait. I am a team player, I always say the same."

Herrera's diplomacy was noted and he elaborated on his attitude before one could reporter could finish his question.

"I am realistic and sincere, and this is the way I think I am going to get my chance," he explained.

"If I am a team player, if I help my teammates, if I think about the team, I think I am not selfish. I think it is the way I have to take."

Herrera's enterprising night was all the more impressive since he had to overcome a careless start that included a 13th minute booking.

"Always when you start a very important game, the first five or 10 minutes is difficult to be involved," Herrera admitted.

"Much more when you are Manchester United, you have to be the protagonist of the team, but after 10 minutes I felt really, really good.

"We controlled the game almost from the off and I think we didn't give too many chances away, we controlled the game and finally we killed the game."