Ander Herrera was instrumental in Manchester United’s 2-0 win at Chelsea in the FA Cup, and it was not for the first time this season.
The Spaniard has become a crucial player under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s management, demonstrating leadership, composure and tenacity in central midfield.
Solskjaer has given Herrera a key role in the team, partnering Nemanja Matic to permit Paul Pogba to roam further forward and not worry about defending as much.
It’s worked a treat, and much of that is down to Herrera’s performances. But could the 29-year-old be given more responsibility?
Antonio Valencia is the club’s current skipper and Ashley Young wore the armband on Monday but calls for Herrera to be handed the captain’s armband were strengthened yet again following the victory at Stamford Bridge.
Below, we’ve had a look back at all the times Herrera has proved he should be Manchester United captain.
It’s safe to say Alexis Sanchez has had a difficult time since joining United from Arsenal in January last year, but Herrera has been immensely supportive of the Chilean regardless.
After the final whistle at Stamford Bridge on Monday, Herrera was spotted giving Sanchez a pep talk and congratulating the substitute for his cameo performance.
In his post-patch interview, Herrera said: “When you play with these kind of players you can make that run [for the goal] you know you’re going to get the ball.
“But I would also like to speak about Alexis, Andreas (Pereira) and Scott (McTominay) the way they came into the game. And a world-class player like Alexis. The way he fought, this is Manchester United and it is what you want.”
Vocally backing players who have been struggling is the sign of a born leader, and Solskjaer will surely have been given food for thought by Herrera’s words.Proving he has no ego
Despite onlookers constantly suggesting Herrera should be made captain, the former Athletic Bilbao midfielder sees no reason he can’t lead on the pitch without the armband
He told ESPN: “To be honest, I’ve been told a lot of times that I should wear the armband on the field, but I don’t need it… if one day the team needs me to lead in one specific moment, then I will do.
“But I don’t go crazy with that. I think that the best thing a team can have is different leaders in different moments.”
Herrera did lead the team out during United’s pre-season tour of the US last summer, but again he insisted the captaincy is not necessary for him to make an impact, demonstrating his lack of ego.
“I am really proud to have been the Manchester United captain,” he told the club’s official website. “But even if I am not the captain, I am proud anyway. As soon as I represent this club, I feel proud and I always give my best.”Selfless and relentless