5 reasons why Manchester United should renew Ander Herrera's contract at all costs

Ander Herrera’s contract at Manchester United is running out while the club and the player try to negotiate a new deal. Unless United manage to complete a new deal, the player will be a free agent in the summer.

Understandably, a lot of European clubs are keeping tabs on the situation, as a player of his calibre coming for free in the summer would suit a lot of top clubs.

The Spaniard joined United in the summer of 2014 and ever since has become an important part of the team. Since Solskjaer’s arrival, Herrera has been on top form and since the Norwegian is all but confirmed to be United’s permanent manager, Herrera could still be a part of his plans come summer.

As such, the Red Devils need to ensure he continues to stay at United beyond the summer and here are 5 reasons why Manchester United should renew Ander Herrera's contract at all costs.

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#5 He is a fantastic ambassador of the club

Ander Herrera has a great personality and is always vocal about his love for the club

The Premier League giants first tried to sign him in 2013, when David Moyes wanted to bring him to the club, however, Bilbao refused to sell. United came back again in the following year, with Louis Van Gaal in charge, but once again were met with rejection.

However, Herrera activated the buy-out clause in his contract, in order to help Manchester United bring him to Old Trafford. It was clear that the Spaniard wanted to come to Old Trafford, and ever since arriving, he quickly made a space for himself in the hearts of the United faithful.

Ander Herrera has a great personality and is always vocal about his love for the club. Be it in the post-match press conferences or by his social media activity, it is clear that the Spaniard loves being a United player. And his passion for the club shows both on the field and in real life.

The Spaniard has been selfless during his time at United, almost always putting the club ahead of personal desires. He has been played out of position, asked to deviate from his natural game, but yet never once has he ever complained. The Spaniard has been a fantastic ambassador of Manchester United, and as such deserves to have his contract renewed.

#4 His leadership qualities

Perhaps the biggest reason for his success has been his ability to carry out instructions

Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement and Wayne Rooney's departure, Manchester United have lacked a leader on the pitch. Someone strong, vocal, a man who leads by example. Right now, Ander Herrera is that man on the pitch, the one binding the team together.

The Spaniard has been used in various capacities ever since arriving at Old Trafford and has almost always yielded results. Perhaps the biggest reason for his success has been his ability to carry out instructions.

Under Louis van Gaal and Mourinho, Herrera had been cast aside but had clawed his way back into the team, simply because there are few men in the league who can carry out a job like him.

The Spaniard is a very responsible player on the pitch and if utilized efficiently, has the ability to inspire the team. He is the unsung hero on the pitch, someone who does not hog the limelight yet does some of the most important work for the team. United cannot afford to lose such a player.

#3 United do not have a ready replacement

He is a vital player for his team, and United, unfortunately, have no ready replacements in their squad

In Solskjaer's midfield, Paul Pogba is the creative spark and Nemanja Matic is the midfield anchor. While the Frenchman makes up the glorious balls and is responsible for the goal, the Serbian is the defensive screen. Ander Herrera's position, as such, needs a varied range of skill.

Herrera can tackle, he can intercept. He can also spot a pass and make runs from deep. He even has the responsibility to drop down and help Matic cope with opposition pressure whenever required. He is a vital player for his team, and United, unfortunately, have no ready replacements in their squad.

The Spaniard averages the most tackles and interceptions per game among all midfielders in the United squad. He has also scored 3 goals and picked up 3 assists so far this season. None of his replacements in the squad - Fred, McTominay, and Pereira - can match up to the Spaniard.

As such United need to indulge in the transfer market to replace the Spaniard - a costly proposition with a lot of risks. Considering the poor outcome of the Fred transfer, United should be hesitant to make another mistake.

#2 His infectious energy in the midfield

Solskjaer's arrival showed that United had a beast in their ranks all the while

There is something about Ander Herrera that is so exciting on the pitch. While Mourinho lamented his lack of a "mad dog" on the pitch, Solskjaer's arrival showed that United had a beast in their ranks all the while. It just needed a trained eye to spot Herrera and the Norwegian was quick to give the Spaniard his due - a place in the first team. And Herrera has been inspired so far.

The Spaniard has taken to Solskjaer's tactics like wildfire to a pack of dry leaves. He has relished the opportunity to spread his wings and has used that freedom to great effect. Herrera has been brilliant himself, but the mark of true greats are their abilities to make everyone around them better. And the Spaniard has done just that so far.

Herrera's presence has been an assurance for an out of form Matic and has helped the Serbian rediscover his touch. It has helped Paul Pogba break away his shackles and drive forward with renewed vigour.

Lindelof has grown in stature knowing that there's a bundle of energy ahead of him, always ready to fall back and help. Ander Herrera has helped his United team get back into the game and allowing him to leave would be a disaster.

#1 His footballing brain

Herrera mixes silk and steel with unreal efficiency on the pitch

Opposition fans absolutely hate Ander Herrera, perhaps because he is wily and clever on the field. Even though he has more tackles and interceptions than any other midfielder in the team, Herrera gives away very few fouls. This is because he uses his experience to ensure he escapes unhurt from the referee’s eye.

But the Spaniard is not a dirty player in any respect, he is actually a very good reader of the game. Herrera mixes silk and steel with unreal efficiency on the pitch, and this makes him a very important player for United.

He knows when to press and when to hold the ball. He is always reading the game, analysing the opposition style of play. Herrera mixes up his passes, spreads the ball, and also makes clever runs on the field, which causes the opposition all sorts of trouble. And his decision making is absolutely outstanding. Remember the Europa League final when he forced Mkhitaryan to stay in the box?

Ander Herrera is the midfield marshall United desperately need at the centre of the park, and he has to stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer.