Ander Herrera Has Developed Into Jose’s Midfield General And Deserves His Contract Extension

Ander Herrera Has Developed Into Jose’s Midfield General And Deserves His Contract Extension

Ander Herrera has become a vital member of the Manchester United squad over the past season. His passion and energy have helped him to become a fan favourite at Old Trafford as well as Jose Mourinho’s main man in the centre of the park.

Therefore it is no surprise that the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss is looking to activate a one year extension clause in the former Atheltico Bilbao man’s contract, to tie his future down at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Spaniard has to battle for his place with the likes of Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney week in, week out in training, with the small matter of a World Cup winner in Bastian Schweinsteiger waiting in the wings should he be called upon. The competition for places at United has become more and more competitive as the season has gone on, with every member of the midfield stating a claim for a starting spot.


His game had improved immensely during this season and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the fans and more importantly the manager. Starting 31 games so far this season and appearing from the bench a further five times, Mourinho is certainly putting his trust in the 27-year-old.

After a slow start to the season, during which the Portuguese was continuously chopping and changing his midfield to accommodate world record signing Pogba, results slipped and there was no consistency.

However, the combination of both Carrick and Herrera alongside the star man has proved fruitful. With the former Tottenham and West Ham midfielder martialling proceedings from a deeper role, and Pogba given the freedom to explore the gaps ahead of the midfield, Herrera is left to hold everything together.

His stats show that, with it all to do, the United man is excelling. The No.21 ranks highest amongst Premier League midfielders in terms of interceptions, by quite some way, and also features in the top three in terms of pass accuracy. His adeptness to perform in both a defensive role before carrying the ball forward and impacting largely on the attacking phase of Manchester United’s play is a rare trait, and one Mourinho must take advantage of.

The contract extension, to 2019, must only be the start for the Spain international whose selection for his national team has certainly vindicated the faith that Jose has shown in the energetic midfielder. Should Mourinho want to succeed at every level over the next few years, he will do so with Herrera at the heart of things.