Manchester United fans will always have love for Ander Herrera but the midfielder suffered real embarrassment on Sunday afternoon.
Sunday saw the final top-flight league games take place before the second international break of the season begins.
Manchester United were in Premier League action, drawing 0-0 with Aston Villa at Villa Park.
This wasn’t a particularly thrilling encounter but Erik ten Hag will at least be pleased to keep a clean sheet – and avoid defeat.
United players will now head off on international duty but one former Old Trafford favourite endured a nightmare on Sunday.
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Ander Herrera suffers penalty nightmare
La Liga had their final fixtures on Sunday and Athletic Club travelled to take on Girona away from home.
Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera lined up for Athletic as he continues to represent his hometown club.
United raided Athletic to sign Herrera back in 2014 and he went on to make nearly 200 appearances for the club.
Now back with Athletic again at 35, Herrera continues to feature regularly back in La Liga.
Sunday was a day to forget for Herrera and co though as Athletic failed to score not one, not two but three penalties.
Alex Berenguer had his spot kick saved by Paulo Gazzaniga before Inaki Williams suffered the same fate in the second half.
Gazzaniga moved off his line too early though, meaning Herrera stepped up to try and finally beat the Argentinian.
Herrera’s tame effort down the middle was saved once again, meaning Athletic managed to fail from the spot three times in one game.
To add insult to injury, Girona went and won the game in injury time with – believe it or not – a penalty to make it 2-1.
This was a truly bizarre defeat for Athletic, who will be kicking themselves having failed from the spot.
Spanish media on Herrera
This was pure humiliation for Athletic and Herrera as they suffered a rather embarrassing feat in Catalunya.
The Spanish media were still impressed with Herrera though as his all-round performance earned praise in the press.
“He had a good game until he missed Athletic’s third penalty. Before that play he showed his know-how,” said Mundo Deportivo.
“He tried to establish order, although he finds it difficult to keep up with the pace other than on the ball, but his class is undeniable and he shone a lot. One of his best games of the season. In the 30th minute he also took a good shot and Gazzaniga cleared it in a diving save. The blemish? Ander took the third penalty, fatal like the rest, and missed it too,” wrote El Desmarque.
“Active and combative on his return to the starting line-up, forming a creative midfield partnership with Galarreta. He constantly offered to start the game from the back and even dared to try to find the goal with a long-range shot after half an hour which Gazzaniga cleared,” said El Correo.
United fans have plenty of love for Herrera and the veteran midfielder still keeps tabs on United even now.
Reports have even suggested that Herrera overlooked English interest in the past as he didn’t want to join any other Premier League club than United.
Herrera had a day to forget on Sunday but United fans everywhere will no doubt hope to see him thrive over the course of the season as he moves towards the end of his career.
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