Aheed Abrar
Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera opens up on “painful” exit from Manchester United
Former Manchester United and current Athletic Bilbao star Ander Herrera has opened up about his painful exit from the Old Trafford side. The midfielder was expecting an extension from the club.
However, the 33-year-old ended up leaving the Old Trafford side in the summer of 2019 after his contract at the Manchester-based club expired. He signed for Paris Saint-Germain after that.
Speaking via the club’s official website, Herrera was disappointed with having to part ways with United. The midfielder feels he deserved a contract extension after his performances at the club.
“To leave, it was difficult because six months before, five months before, I was expecting that offer for me to stay.
“I got the Player of the Year award by the fans and the club didn’t call me that summer to sign a new contract, and they did with other players. That was painful for me, honestly.”
After the 2016/17 season, the Spain international was handed the Sit Matt Busby Player of the Year award. In that campaign, the 33-year-old made 50 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing 11 assists.
Herrera initially signed for the Old Trafford side in the summer of 2014 from Athletic. He spent five years at the Manchester-based club and won three major trophies.
In the 2015/16 season, United got their hands on an FA Cup. In the subsequent campaign, we won the EFL Cup and the Europa League under Jose Mourinho.
The Spaniard spent most of his time at PSG as a bit part player. Last season, he mostly came off the bench under Mauricio Pochettino. In the recent transfer window, the 33-year-old went back to the San Mames side.
Over the years, United have had various incoming and outgoings in the middle of the park. Currently, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes occupy the engine room at the Old Trafford side.
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Herrera was a ferocious character in our midfield. The Spaniard was a great servant for the club. His passion for the Red Devils was evident when the 33-year-old put on the shirt. The Old Trafford side should have extended his deal, but it was not to be, unfortunately.
