Herrera in extension talks with Man Utd but no deal done

Ander Herrera has revealed that he is in contract extension talks with Manchester United, but no deal has been done as yet.

The Spain international has been at Old Trafford since 2014 and is tied to terms for another 12 months.

He was named United’s Player of the Year in 2016-17, having been transformed into a dogged holding midfielder by Jose Mourinho.

Added competition for places has restricted his game time in the current campaign, but he remains an important part of the Red Devils squad and they have moved to retain his services past 2019.

Herrera told Mundo Deportivo on his future: “I am going to fulfil the year that I have left but I do not know if I will renew. We have started talking but nothing has been decided yet.”

He added on his rotation role this season: “Obviously you are happier when you play, but it also comforts me to be physically well, to train to the fullest and go home with the assurance of having given the maximum.”

The £40 million signing of Nemanja Matic by Mourinho in 2017 has nudged Herrera down the pecking order, but the 28-year-old has no complaints at having to compete with one of the best in the business.

He said: “[Sergio] Busquets is the great reference in that position and Matic is also among the best. What I like is to give the coach options.

“Mourinho backs you up if you give it your all. Whether you play or not, this is a group and the group is most important.”

Herrera has given no thought to turning his back on Mourinho and United as yet, and has also rubbished any suggestion that he could be targeted by Barcelona as a possible successor to World Cup winner Busquets.

“I have never been close to them before,” said Herrera.

“You may have sometimes thought of me as one of the 15 alternatives on your list, but I can say that I have never been close to signing.”

For now then, Herrera’s focus can remain locked on the end of the 2017-18 campaign with the Red Devils.

A runner-up finish in the Premier League appears to be on the cards, while FA Cup glory remains up for grabs having reached the semi-final stage of that competition.