Ander Herrera has played in many derbies throughout his career, but after playing in his first Superclásico, the former Manchester United midfielder has compared it to games against Liverpool and Man City.
Ander Herrera spent five years at Manchester United and will be remembered by fans for his versatility, commitment and winning three major trophies, including the Europa League.
In the 2017 Europa League final, Herrera delivered a man-of-the-match performance against Ajax, playing a crucial role in midfield.
The Spanish midfielder was also voted the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year by United fans in 2017.
Herrera left United in the summer of 2019 on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. He would later return to Athletic Club before signing for Argentine giants Boca Juniors in January 2025.
After playing in his first Superclásico against River Plate last weekend, Herrera has reflected on how the biggest domestic fixture in Argentina compares to derbies he played in for Spanish, English and French clubs.
Ander Herrera reflects on first Superclásico encounter
Herrera has insisted that neither the Manchester derby nor clashes with Liverpool can match the Argentine Superclásico.
The former United midfield ace came on as a substitute with 16 minutes left to play as Boca Juniors beat River Plate 2-0 at La Bombonera.
Boca Juniors’ win secured them an automatic place in the 2026 Copa Libertadores.
Comparing the Superclásico to other fierce rivalries he’s played in, Herrera told El Periódico Aragón: “There’s nothing like the clásico.
“I played in the Manchester derby, a United-Liverpool match, Paris Saint-Germain against Olympique de Marseille, the Basque derby—those were all fantastic matches that I thoroughly enjoyed, spectacular encounters, but nothing compares to this one.”
The 36-year-old completed 12 of his 14 passes and touched the ball 16 times during his short cameo.
Moreover, four of his passes made it into the final third.
Ander Herrera’s record against Liverpool and Man City
Now that Herrera has a 100% success rate in the Superclásico, United In Focus takes a look at how he got on against Liverpool and City during his time in England.
Herrera took on Liverpool 10 times as a United player, winning four of those games and drawing as many.
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He also played Man City 12 times, winning four and losing six matches.
Herrera picked up a total of five yellow cards against Liverpool and Man City.
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