Ander Herrera: The key to revitalizing Manchester United

Ander Herrera on his first day at the Manchester United training complex

In the last few years, Manchester United have been in a state of steady decline. The true extent of the decline though, wasn't evident until last season, when David Moyes came to the helm, and steered the club to a disastrously low league finish of 7th.

It is a testament to Sir Alex Ferguson's great managing skills, that United could win the Premier League title two years back (2012-2013), with a squad pre-dominantly made up of deadwood. When the same task fell to David Moyes, he failed miserably, because while he may be a good manager in his own right, he didn't have the necessary experience to manage a team as historically successful and dominating as Manchester United.

Lack of Midfield Quality

Neither could Moyes inspire his impotent, ineffective squad of players to glory, nor could he bring in the necessary reinforcements to galvanize the team. His reputation, or lack of it, was what caused so many top class players to reject United's advances, and at the end of the day, he simply wasn't good enough.

One of the few points, on which Sir Alex has been criticised, was the lack of quality in United's midfield since Paul Scholes chose to retire. A satisfactory replacement for the red-headed Englishman was never located under Sir Alex, and Moyes' team was hit extremely hard by the absence of quality midfielders.

Herrera's immediate impact

Under Louis van Gaal, the new man at the helm of United, signings have already been made to strengthen the squad, and Ander Herrera, a 24 year old, Spanish central midfielder is one of them. In Herrera, United have bought a wonderfully nimble, tactically efficient, technically excellent, defensively reliable and good attacking player.

United confirmed Herrera's signing on the 26th of June, 2014, and he played a big part in United's recent International Champions Cup success. Playing attractive football, he was spraying passes all around the pitch with unnerving accuracy, and he displayed a wonderful eye for picking up his team-mates’ runs, and was involved in a number of assists over his first few matches for Manchester United.

He seemed to be exactly what United have been missing, with his passing ability and defensive contribution integral to the way United played in the friendlies. He was utilised as an Attacking Centre Midfielder by Athletic Club Bilbao last season, often playing 'in the hole', but is more naturally suited to playing as a centre midfielder. He has also played on the right wing, showing admirable versatility.

Herrera celebrating with Rooney(R) during a pre-season friendly

Strengths in alignment with United’s needs

Herrera's playing style is very similar to the way the United icon Paul Scholes used to play. His dribbling skills are developed, and he enjoys taking shots from distance. His slight physique, and his lightning quick feet make him difficult to defend against, and he has the habit of ending up at the edge of the penalty box, at the right time, to put the ball into the net. A creative force last season, he bagged 5 assists, and created 48 chances.

One would imagine that playing with strikers as good as Rooney and van Persie, the chances he creates will be taken more often. He takes good free-kicks and has the ability to drift into the penalty box to act as an indirect set-piece threat.

The Spaniard’s quick feet drew an average of 2.6 fouls per game last year, and provided 1.2 successful dribbles every 90 minutes. His penchant for attack is obvious, as he took an average of more than 2 shots every game. He scored a total of five goals, over 33 games.

The 24 year old's importance to the squad isn't just in the attacking sense, as he made 67 defensive actions to bolster his side's defensive solidity. He made an average of 3.1 tackles per game, and made at least 1 interception as well. He likes to tackle, and often does so efficiently.

He is also very consistent, and was a shining light throughout Bilbao's campaign last year.

“He’s a really talented footballer. He has great enthusiasm and great energy in midfield. He always wants the ball and is always looking to make things happen.”

- Darren Fletcher about Ander Herrera

Revitalizing the Team

A huge squad makeover is still due, with van Gaal on the lookout for more quality signings, but in Ander Herrera, United have done a lot to guarantee a better season. They have a dependable defence, in Smalling, Evans and Jones, and a mercurial strike force comprising Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck, and the new-and-improved midfield can spur the club to success.

Herrera's capabilities as midfielder will be integral to United's chances of success, and his track record promises a lot. If paired with a slightly more experienced, and defensively-minded player (such as Micheal Carrick or Darren Fletcher) in the double pivot of the new manager's 3-5-2 system, Herrera can spark good football from the team.

Herrera has the talent, work-rate and creativity to become a United icon, and many fans will be looking to him to inspire his team-mates with his undoubtedly dazzling football talent, and revitalize the team's playing style as a whole.

As of this moment, it seems like Herrera has a long, bright, fruitful United future ahead of him.