Herrera honoured to captain Manchester United

Herrera was among the most senior players in a touring squad that featured many prospects from the Academy, as well as Reds who had recently returned from season-long loan spells.

Ander had to play a little more than he might have bargained for – 441 minutes to be exact, which is a tally that was only beaten by Andreas Pereira’s tally of 443.

Although they may not have played that often, Herrera is full of praise for his young team-mates and states the experience will benefit them all in the long run. In fact, he believes these very youngsters could one day usurp him from the team.

It has been very good for them,” Ander said “Not intense in terms of minutes because they haven’t played too much, but every training session they have learned a lot. They have had the opportunity to learn from Jose Mourinho and Michael Carrick, plus the other coaches. It was a big opportunity for them.

“They know what professional football is, they will keep improving in their teams and with the possibility to come with us to help. I want to say ‘thank you’ to them because they have been amazing with us, helping in every training session. I think Manchester United fans can be really calm and assured that these kids will one day kick us out, because they have the quality to do it.”