Player of the Week - Ander Herrera

Herrera and Rooney goals enough to beat Villa

Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney scored the goals to eventually beat a stubborn Aston Villa side at Old Trafford. United had to be patient against a well-organised Aston Villa team, but their first goal arrived two minutes before half-time. Herrera hit a low shot past the Villa goalkeeper, after good work from left-back, Daley Blind. United extended their lead in the 79th minute, when Angel di Maria passed to Rooney, who scored with a fantastic shot - it was his 185th Premier League goal! Villa got a goal back almost immediately, through Christian Benteke, after an uncharacteristic error from David de Gea. United eventually secured the win in injury time, when Herrera scored his second of the game after a nice pass from Juan Mata. Manchester United have now won 5 consecutive matches and are in good form for their next two matches, against Manchester City and Chelsea.

When did Herrera join Man Utd?

Manchester United's first signing of the summer was the central midfielder, Ander Herrera, who signed from Spanish club, Athletic Bilbao, for about £30 million. The Red Devils have been following Herrera's progress for some time, and tried to sign the Basque player in the summer of 2013, but ran out of time before the transfer deadline. Man Utd have finally got the playmaker they wanted, and Herrera will be hoping that he can impress new manager, Louis van Gaal. Herrera was Man Utd's first signing of the summer, but they have also bought defender, Luke Shaw from Southampton, who at 18 years old has become one of the most expensive teenagers in world football, and Utd are expected to sign more players before the end of the transfer deadline. 

"Signing for Manchester United is a dream come true."  Ander Herrera

What do we know about Herrera?

Ander Herrera Agüera was born in August 1989, and is from Bilbao, which is a city in the Basque Country, which is a region in the north of Spain. His first club was Real Zaragoza. He made his debut for Zaragoza in the 2008/09 season, and helped his team to promotion to the top division. He stayed at Zaragoza for the next two seasons and was one of their most used players as they successfully stayed in the top division. At the start of the 2011/12 season, Herrera moved to his hometown club, Athletic Bilbao.

How much success did Herrera have with Bilbao?

With Bilbao, Herrera became one of the most influential playmakers outside of the big three teams in Spain, and helped Athletic reach two cup finals and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 15 years, when Bilbao finished 4th in the Spanish League in 2013/14.

Unfortunately, Bilbao lost both Finals, the 2012 Spanish Cup Final to Barcelona (3-0) and the 2012 UEFA Europa League Final to Atletico Madrid (3-0). After 3 seasons and over 120 appearances for Athletic Bilbao, Herrera signed for Manchester United. 

"Ander is a fantastic young player, with great energy and creativity. I am certain he will be a big hit with the United fans." Man Utd Assistant Manager, Ryan Giggs

Is it the first time Herrera has played in the UK?

Manchester United is Ander Herrera's first English club, but he has played in England twice before, and he has even played at Old Trafford! Herrera was part of the Spanish under-23 team that played in the London Olympics. He played 2 matches, once at St. James's Park, which is the home of Newcastle United and once at Hampden Park in Glasgow, which is actually in Scotland. Spain lost both games and were eliminated from the tournament. But, the time Herrera played at Old Trafford was much more successful. Herrera was part of the Athletic Bilbao team that beat Manchester United (2-3) in the Europa League in 2012, knocking the Red Devils out of the competition. Herrera will be hoping for more wins at Old Trafford, but in a Manchester United shirt!

“Juan Mata and David De Gea told me United is a big club, maybe the biggest in the world and they said there is a great spirit here." Ander Herrera

What do we think?

Herrera gives Manchester United more options in midfield. He plays as a central midfielder, but can play in an attacking or defensive position. He is a player who is technically very good, but also has lots of energy and a strong workrate. He is a player who works hard in both boxes, which helps both the defence and the attack. With other midfield talents, such as Angel di Maria, Adnan Januzaj, Marouane Fellaini, and Michael Carrick, Man Utd are starting to look stronger in midfield. Will Ander Herrera become a Premier League and Man Utd star? We will have to wait and see!