How Ander Herrera fared on Boca Juniors debut, Man Utd favourite rolls back the years

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Playing for Manchester United can often define a footballer’s career and the phrase once a Red Devil, always a Red Devil rings true.

Ander Herrera is one player who will forever be remembered fondly by fans who watched during the Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho eras.

The story of how Manchester United signed Herrera is a brilliant one which began in the summer following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

United thought they were negotiating a deal with Athletic Club in Bilbao – however, it soon emerged that it was in fact ‘transfer imposters’ who claimed to be brokering a deal on behalf of Herrera.

Herrera told this story to club media, and eventually, he joined the club.

Now, Herrera’s career has a new destination and it started with a 5-0 win.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Ander Herrera makes Boca Juniors debut

Herrera recently joined Boca Juniors, this move at the age of 35 has ticked off a dream the Spaniard has had throughout his career.

It sees Herrera join up with two former United players in Marcos Rojo and also Edinson Cavani.

On Wednesday, Herrera’s Boca journey began and it saw him become an instant hit with supporters.

In a 5-0 Boca win over Argentino Monte Maiz, Herrera played 55 minutes and created four chances in this time from defensive midfield.

Herrera stats on Boca debut

• 55 minutes
• 62/67 passes completed
• 4 chances created
• 78 touches
• 1/1 dribbles completed
• 2/2 tackles won
• 1 interception
• 4 defensive actions
• 3 recoveries
• 6/9 duels won

It could not have been a better debut, as he rolled back the years with a display which would have impressed United fans nearly a decade ago.

Herrera made 189 appearances for Manchester United

After Herrera’s debut for Boca, it is worth remembering his time in England.

Herrera spent a huge chunk of his career at Old Trafford, playing 189 games for United during his 560-game tally to date.

This spell saw Herrera score 20 goals and provide 27 assists which is impressive for a midfielder who was more of a box-to-box player.

Herrera’s never-say-die attitude endeared him to United supporters almost immediately and even today he remains a popular figure.

Two years ago, when linked with Spurs, it was claimed Herrera would only play for United in England which said it all about his love for the club.

We will be watching closely to see how he gets on in Argentina.