Ander Herrera is hopeful of achieving even better next season, after securing a return to Champions League football in his first season with Manchester United.
The Spanish midfielder has become an influential figure in the set-up of the Red Devils, and scored their only goal in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford. Featuring in the final home game of the season, Herrera struck the opener before Theo Walcott’s effort deflected off Tyler Blackett and beat substitute goalkeeper Victor Valdes eight minutes from time.
Speaking to MUTV following the top four battle, which is likely to see United finish in fourth, Herrera said: “We’re happy to be in the top four, but we are Manchester United and next season we must fight for every trophy. I think Arsenal’s goal was unlucky for us. We completely controlled the first half.”
Fellow midfielder Ashley Young enjoyed his outing against Arsenal, and repeatedly threatened a back four commanded by David Ospina. However, he was disappointed to settle for a draw, with a victory heaping pressure on the Gunners for automatic qualification to the Champions League group stages.
“We should have taken all three points,” Young said. “We were disappointed to let them back in the game but we played well. It was all us – they came into it in the last 25 minutes. But we’re disappointed we let them back into the game, especially when you consider how we controlled it.”
The potential Man of the Match, who set up Herrera’s opener, knew the gameplan immediately, and ultimately dominated the first half.
“We wanted to put them under pressure and we did that from the word go,” he added. “We were looking to get in behind them and create chances. We felt comfortable and we’re disappointed [they scored].”
When asked about Blackett’s untimely own goal, Young was disappointed with the nature of the goal. “I think that’s the third deflection we’ve conceded from in the last three games if you include West Brom and Crystal Palace,” he reflected. “It wasn’t meant to be [for us] today.”
Ander Herrera has scored eight goals for the Red Devils in his debut season.
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