While he has at times found himself undeservedly warming the bench at Manchester United, Ander Herrera continues to remain focused on doing well whenever he gets the chance. In the last two games, Herrera has scored two goals and has been one of the better players on the pitch for United.
Herreraa s goal at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea was his fifth for the season, which means that hea s already equaled his highest goal scoring tally that he achieved for his former club Athletic Bilbao. Herrera hasna t ever been a prolific goal scorer and has often found criticism coming his way for the same. Yet, with United, the Spaniard seems to have no problems finding the back of the net. In fact, he has always looked a threat whenever hea s close to the box.
a I havena t really got a target for goals, I think wea re a very attacking side and I just want to help,” he told ManUtd.com. “I knew that scoring goals was one of the things I could improve on, but I dona t want to stop now, I want to keep working and helping the team. The most important thing is that we win, but of course, when I score Ia m happy.”
The Spaniard, who has almost always been greeted with a huge cheer at Old Trafford, was speaking at a special event organized by the Manchester United Foundation. The event was aimed at encouraging more girls who are 14 years of age and over involved in regular football activities. All through Greater Manchester, the Premier League Girls programme has 13 partner schools and the Spaniard was glad to be involved.
a The event was great,” he added. “Ia m very pleased to help the club because I think this kind of thing is very good for society. Ia m really pleased to be involved; when the club wants me to Ia m always going to be ready to do these activities. Not many girls played football when I was growing up. Now, ita s getting better and more girls are playing. Ita s important because football can help to educate people and teach them values too.”
The players’ attentions now turn to Saturday’s home league clash with Sunderland, with Herrera seeing an opportunity to climb the table again.
Herrera then changed focus on to Saturdaya s home game against Sunderland. The Spaniard believes that it is a crucial game and a chance to move up the table.
a I think the next game is always the biggest game,” he added. “We can regain third position because Southampton had a tough game [against Liverpool]. Our goal is to get Champions League football – we don’t want to drop out of the top four – and to win the FA Cup.
“We didna t beat Sunderland at the start of the season, and now we have a good chance to beat them at home. We respect all of our rivals, but we must start the game on top.”