Manchester United are getting ready to trigger an option in Ander Herrera’s current deal to extend his stay at the club by a further 12 months. The Spaniard’s existing deal is set to expire at the end of this season although he is reportedly interested in staying at Old Trafford beyond the season.
According to the latest reports from The Daily Telegraph, United are wary of the contract talks dragging beyond this year as the Spaniard would be free to talk to foreign clubs next January. Although there is no imminent danger of the player leaving as a free agent next summer, United hierarchy does not want to take a chance.
Before you let your thoughts wander, let me make it absolutely clear – the club value the player and want him to extend the deal, the player is willing to extend the deal and it is only a matter of time before both parties settle down amicably.
Herrera was the ‘Player of the Year’ at the club last season but has seen his first-team chances get limited following the arrival of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea this summer. However, Herrera is a fan favorite and United want him to sign a new deal.
The negotiations started last November but there no breakthrough has been achieved yet. To leverage against any possible breakdown of negotiations, United are ready to extend the one-year contract extension penned in his deal.
There is absolutely no doubt that Herrera has settled into being a very important player for the Red Devils after a struggling start under Louis van Gaal. Since the start of last season, Herrera has excelled in his role and has completed more tackles (100) and interceptions (88) than any other United player in the Premier League.
How did we even get here? Herrera is a player cut off the old fabric where throwing tantrums for getting a pay rise or more minutes on the pitch is unknown. Even when he’s out of action, the Spaniard was quick to point out that it is difficult to get regular first-team action at a club of the stature of United.
I just hope we give Herrera what he deserves and tie him down for the long-term at the club.
