Does Ander Herrera deserve a regular run for Man Utd?
Published:
Paul Pogba deservedly earned the plaudits for his starring role in Manchester United’s stunning comeback against Manchester City last weekend.
But Ander Herrera played a key role in the turnaround alongside the Frenchman.
His clever chest pass set up United’s first goal shortly after the break. And his presence in the midfield gave Pogba the licence to go and play his natural game.
Saturday’s win could offer a template for Jose Mourinho to use going forward.
Herrera only made his second league start of 2018 at the Etihad Stadium. Mourinho has tended to favour a midfield duo of Pogba and Nemanja Matic, which means there isn’t a spot for the Spaniard.
But removing an attacker and putting Herrera in could make United a more balanced, dangerous team.
In a midfield duo, Pogba doesn’t have the freedom to join the attack as he’d like to. That means the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku can be starved of service and become isolated.
Herrera is tenacious, disciplined and comfortable on the ball. If he and Matic do the dirty work in midfield, Pogba can show off his attacking gifts without being restricted by defensive duties.
The league title is almost certainly out of sight but the Red Devils can still end the season with silverware.
United are 9/4 to win the FA Cup. But they’ve got a tough semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur coming up. Starting Herrera could give them their best chance of getting into the final.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
