Ander Herrera says he is always ready to play for Manchester United and is not concerned about his lack of playing time so far this season at the club.

Herrera played an integral part in Manchester United’s campaign last season, winning the clubs’ player of the season award. He was touted for a move to Barcelona in the summer, a transfer he supposedly rejected, but has made just one appearance for United in the league this season since.

However, the fan favourite says he is not fazed by his reduced play time at the club and insists he will be ready whenever he is called upon.

“I am always ready to play,” he said. “I always say the same. I am a team player and when the manager needs me I will be there and that’s it. In football there are no surprises.”

Herrera will be in contention to remain in United’s starting XI on Tuesday against Basel in the Champions League, a competition that has been missing from Old Trafford for almost two years. The Spaniard says United will fight hard in the competition, but admits every opponent will provide a tough test and must be respected.

“We are ready but we have to respect every opponent and realise where we have come from,” Herrera said.

“We are a big club and maybe the biggest in the world, but we were not in the Champions League last season and we have to take it step by step.”

“First aim we have is Basel. We cannot think of winning the Champions League now, we have to take it one step at a time.”

“We should be in the Champions League. Even without the Champions League, we are the club with more fans than anybody in the world, with the biggest amount of sponsors in the world, but being in the Champions League is basic for us, that is why the game against Ajax was the game of our lives. It was certainly the game of my career.”

“We want to fight for every title. Last season we won three which wasn’t bad for the club, but we did not fight for the Premier League and we were not in the Champions League, so we have to be humble and take it step by step.”

“It is amazing to be back in it. Every game is amazing for Manchester United for me but the Champions League is the most beautiful competition apart from the Premier League.”

[Quotes via Sky Sports]