Ander Herrera Must Start for Manchester United Despite Midfield Reinforcements

In an odd paradox at Manchester United, Ander Herrera is unlikely to be in manager Louis van Gaal’s first XI come the start of the season despite being one of the Premier League’s most dynamic midfielders.

The 25-year-old, who was among United’s best outfield players in 2014/15, looks set to be fourth choice behind Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger for the two midfield spots in Van Gaal’s new 4-2-3-1 system.

But it is hard to understand why he appears to be on the fringes of the team once again, barring injuries or a tactical change in the next few days. The aforementioned players are superb in their own right and are arguably more suited to a two-man midfield, yet last season showed that Herrera’s energy and inventiveness made United a better side.

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

In many ways, Herrera is one of the most complete players United have had in years. A slight man but combative and tenacious in his play, he contributes greatly in defence, midfield and attack.

His first season in the Premier League highlighted his best attributes: his passing and his ability to move into space and ensure the tempo of the game remains high.

With the exception of a four-week spell in March and April, which coincided with the Spaniard’s return to the team after he was inexplicably left out over the winter months, United moved the ball far too slowly last season. But whenever Herrera was in the side, the play was quicker and more purposeful.

His defence-splitting pass to create Juan Mata’s first goal against Liverpool demonstrated his speed of thought: receiving the ball and taking a quick glance to his right, he played an instinctive pass that led to the key goal in what was arguably United’s biggest game of the season.

The point, which was illustrated so often in 2014/15, is that Herrera was one of United’s most influential players. Only David De Gea and Carrick proved more integral to the success or failure of the side.

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

After ending last season in a 4-1-4-1 formation, which suited the Spaniard perfectly, Van Gaal introduced a loose 4-2-3-1 system this pre-season in a bid to accommodate the newly signed Memphis Depay.

Although the Dutchman played well on occasion as a No. 10, a role on the left wing would suit him better. The obvious solution is to revert to a 4-1-4-1 and restore Herrera to the team. Not only would that allow Van Gaal to pick from three of his four central midfielders rather than two, but it would also enable Memphis to play in his best position and bring greater balance to the side.

The stumbling block to that tactical switch is Van Gaal. For reasons still unknown, the Dutchman has seemed reluctant to make Herrera one of his key players at a time when the club's fans are completely enamoured with his all-action playing style.

What’s particularly odd is that Van Gaal’s philosophy, which is based on technical and tactical superiority over an opponent, is precisely the brand of football that suits Herrera. He is intelligent and particular about the passes he makes, and it is hard to identify any glaring weaknesses in the Spaniard’s game, especially when he's under a manager who emphasises technical ability over athletic qualities.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

United’s new formation and the signings of Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger mean Herrera’s chances of starting on the opening day of the season against Tottenham Hotspur are slim, assuming something drastic doesn’t change in the next few days.

But he offers a quality United’s other central midfielders don’t: creativity. Carrick is the best passer, Schneiderlin is the most athletic and Schweinsteiger is an all-rounder—but none of them are as inventive as Herrera. 

If Van Gaal wants a balanced midfield, then the Spaniard must be a part of it. 

Until the season kicks off and United bed in their new signings, it remains to be seen whether Van Gaal’s new system will be conducive to success or not. Just don’t be surprised if Herrera is restored to the benefit of the team.


Follow @Chris__Fleming