Ander Herrera Reportedly Close to Penning New Manchester United Contract

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Manchester United are reportedly expecting Ander Herrera to sign a new contract at Old Trafford in the coming weeks, with his deal expiring in June. 

According to Paul Hirst in The Times, the midfielder rejected United's initial offer, which only slightly increased his £75,000-per-week wages, but he has no desire to leave the club and talks have "progressed well."

Herrera, 29, has been at United since 2014 and has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford because of his passion and work rate.

Manager Jose Mourinho praised him and Marcus Rashford in his press conference ahead of the visit of Fulham to Old Trafford on Saturday in the Premier League, per the Mirror's Liam Prenderville: "You know there are special players with special characteristics. Just to give you a couple of examples, Herrera, Rashford, they are the kind of players that even if their game was not phenomenal, that intensity, that desire, that passion, that sacrifice is always present."

However, the former Athletic Bilbao player was criticised by United legend Paul Scholes for his recent performance against Southampton:

United came back from 2-0 down against Saints but only managed to earn a point, and they were then held 2-2 by Arsenal at home on Wednesday.

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Mourinho's men are winless in four and sit eighth in the Premier League.

Herrera has only started four games in the English top flight this season, two of them in December.

He should be particularly useful in the coming weeks as the games come thick and fast around Christmas, and it will be a weight off his shoulders if a new contract can be agreed as soon as possible.