As the full-time whistle was drowned out by Manchester United’s rapturous away support on Monday night, the victorious staff and players were excused for letting their raw delight show.
After bouncing back from a difficult defeat against Paris Saint-Germain last week Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’sside produced a disciplined tactical master class to topple Chelsea and book their place in the quarter-finals of the cup.
However, it spoke volumes that Ander Herrera immediately used the moment to congratulate fellow Spanish speaker Alexis Sanchez following a troublesome start to his United life. The Basque-born midfielder jolted the former Arsenal forward with a motivational gesture on the pitch and congratulated him on his encouraging cameo display. Not only the true sign of leadership, but the true sign of an United captain.
Herrera spoke fondly of his close friend following the match, too. Praising him along with fellow substitutes Andreas Pereira and Scott McTominay while modestly deflecting praise from his own performance. Not only does the 29-year-old talk the talk, but he backs it up on the pitch as well.
Much is said of the deep understanding Herrera has for the club. His profound knowledge of United and all who have worn the shirt before him is not just PR rhetoric.
But more impressive is the way in which the former Bilbao midfielder leads with his actions, and the manner in which he glues the midfield together with the perfect balance of tenacity and technique.
It is fair to say Solskjaer’s reign at United wouldn’t nearly be as successful without an on-field leader like Herrera instructing his teammates and conducting the entire shape in which they operate.
In the build-up to his opening goal at Stamford Bridge, the Spanish midfielder not only used his technical ability to drag the Chelsea defence wide open, but he also emphasised his authority with a loud scream for the ball once Paul Pogba got into positon. A matter of seconds later and the masterpiece he had painted in his head was etched into football folklore for the rest of eternity.
The two attributes of leadership and understanding of the game are the two things which simply can not be taught, you either have them or you don’t. Some players lack it, while others like Herrera are fortunate enough to have it in abundance.
It is those two qualities which have made Herrera such a hit with so many of his managers, but it is under Solskjaer he is now being giving the freedom to excel in the natural talents he possess. Even when he has a bad game he can offer energy and a pressing quality which causes any opponent to fluster, the fact he was out of the first-team for so long is now looking simply inexcusable.
The decision to appoint Herrera as the new permanent captain would not only please his adoring fans but it would be the perfect response to an uninspiring leadership from current occupant Valencia.
If they appointed Herrera, United would not only ease the immense pressure on giving it to midfield companion Pogba, but it would afford a key ally in the first-team dressing room.
The glaring problem is that Herrera is yet to sign a new deal at the club, and could leave for free in the summer. United might have found their next captain, they now need to make keeping him their immediate priority.