By Sam Preston

Ander Herrera would only return to England to play for Manchester United amid Spurs interest

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has been suggested as a makeweight in a swap deal with Tottenham’s Tanguy Ndombele, as per the Athletic.

Antonio Conte wants to refresh his midfield, but it does not appear that Herrera will be the man to do it.

That is because United are apparently the only club in England that Herrera wants to play for.

The midfielder left Old Trafford to join Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract in July 2019.

Photo by John Berry/Getty Images

Had he stayed around, it seems he would have been well-suited to the energetic style Ralf Rangnick wants his midfielders to play.

Herrera was always a full-blooded competitor and could also have offered some leadership and experience which has been lacking from United’s engine room at various times since his departure.

It can be argued that United have still not replaced Herrera. They have not signed an orthodox central midfielder since his departure, with Donny van de Beek playing further up on the rare occasions he has played.

Neither have they brought through a player from the academy like James Garner or Hannibal to take his spot in the side and help perk up the midfield.

Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

Reaction

Some United fans on Twitter had plenty to say about the rumour and Herrera’s reported refusal to play for another English club.

It is a boost that he will not be strengthening a top four rival in the chase for the Champions League spots and some wondered whether he could still do a job in United’s engine room.

Nemanja Matic remains at the club as an intermittent option at the base of midfield, and Herrera would offer more legs and energy than the Serbian.

Here is what was said…

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Sam Preston
Sam Preston is an NCTJ gold standard news and sports journalist who studied with the Press Association. He also has a 2:1 law with French law degree from the University of Birmingham, which included a year studying at Bordeaux Montaigne University. He is an FA Level 1 football coach who appeared on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show in 2018 and has also written digital football content and match-day programme pieces for Colchester United, Mansfield Town and Stockport County.

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