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When it’s put to Ander Herrera that Manchester United’s record in the derby hasn’t been as favourable as it once was the smile drops from his face.

“I know, I know,” he says, nodding slowly.

It’s a surprise that he does know. He only arrived at Old Trafford from Athletic Bilbao last summer and his derby record stands at played two, won one, lost one.

Before last season United had won just two of their last eight Premier League meetings with Manchester City.

That, though, should be none of Herrera’s concern because, at the time, he was playing for Real Zaragoza and Athletic in Spain.

But sat on the landing overlooking the reception area at Carrington, it becomes apparent very quickly that the Spanish midfielder has taken it upon himself to know these things.

“What we can say is that we showed last year that Manchester United is coming back,” he smiles.

“Last season I remember the derby at Old Trafford was the biggest atmosphere.

“I remember my friends came to the game last year and when the game finished they told me the city was unbelievable.

“I went with my friends to celebrate the victory and I saw more Reds, maybe because of the result, but I remember that. I hope to repeat the victory.”

Before he can do that Herrera faces a battle to earn a place in Louis van Gaal’s derby team.

He’s been in and out of the side this season - as he was for much of his first campaign - but has started the last two against Everton and CSKA Moscow.

He’s so popular among the fans that if he’s not in the United XI when it’s announced at 1pm on Sunday Twitter is likely to go into meltdown - especially after he scored one and created one during the 3-0 win at Everton in United’s last league game.

“I feel it,” says the 26-year-old.

“I feel the fans support and I have to say thank you to everyone. The only way I can say thank you and show my appreciation is to keep doing my best and keep fighting for the club.

“I want to give everything back to the club and to the fans. I can say only say thank you to them.”

He’s so fond of the United fans that as he sat on the bench against Southampton last month he decided he would like to watch a game in the away end as Darren Fletcher and Ashley Young have done in the past.

“I was on the bench looking at our fans and I think we have the best away fans in the league.

“Always singing, always supporting us, sometimes even dancing. It would be great but I have to say I prefer to be on the pitch.”

On the pitch he has found himself shunted around by Van Gaal.

He played as a holding midfielder and in a more advanced role last season but started as the No.10 behind Wayne Rooney at Goodison Park and in the Champions League in midweek.

“I think it’s very good for the manager, for the team and for yourself when you can show yourself in the different positions,” he says.

“I think I played three games as No.6, the holding midfielder, and No.8 and No.10 much more. But I feel good in all the positions.

“When the opponent is waiting for you and is more defensive you get more touches as the No.6. But when teams want to attack, like Manchester City, maybe you find the gaps as a No.10.

“I have no preferences, it depends on the game, on the opponent. What I can say is that I want to play where the manager wants me to play - and when the manager wants me to play!”

His performance against Everton, when he ghosted into the box to head in United’s second then set up Rooney for the third, was one of his best since moving to the Premier League.

But he insists there’s more to come. And if he produces it in the derby then it’s likely Manchester will be full of red rather than blue again on Sunday night.

“I believe in my qualities and I think I can be even better. It was one of the best but I can keep doing even better.

“It’s not easy to get a good result when you come to Old Trafford. We showed last season it is not east at Old Trafford and I think Manchester City knows it.

“We know our fans are going to be behind us so we are not afraid. We are Manchester United and we want to fight for everything.

“I will fight for the life of our fans - so they can go out!”