Dear Ander: An Open Letter to Ander Herrera from a Manchester United fan

Dear Ander,

I hope you stay beyond the summer. The good days are about to come and it is not a time to say goodbye. There will be no more playing out of position, no more compromising on your style of play, no more picking up the pieces left behind. Good times are finally here Ander, and you cannot leave now.

I remember watching you tear United apart at Old Trafford when we played Bilbao in 2012, in the Europa League. You caught our eye, but we were too engrossed in the defeat you inflicted upon us, to take notice of your game. As the speculations grew before your arrival, we went back to the night and realized your merit.

Your signing was a signal of a new start for United, but on the field, you turned out to be even better than promised. Your qualities were there for everyone to see, but it was the intelligence that caught the eye. Your understanding of the game, your anticipation and your leadership qualities instantly won us over.

After Sir Alex's retirement, it was the first time we saw a man play so passionately for the badge that he became one with the supporters. You were a part of us, Ander, right from your very first day.

Herrera's baby face reminded us of another baby faced assassin

But the road was not easy for you. Despite the fact that two managers cast you aside and relegated you to the bench, you continued to give your all when called upon. It was this relentless spirit, which bodes so well with Manchester United. In the end, your spirit could not be defeated. Mountains had to move and on both occasions, you became an integral part of the teams once again.

Ole's arrival meant that you got your due and you have been fantastic under him too. You have given us hope and you have held us together. With you in the side, we still have hopes of securing Champions League football next season.

Since the first day, your baby face reminded us of another baby faced assassin and it seems destiny that you are now playing under Ole. Which is why, El Dinamo, it hurts now even to think that you might be leaving in the summer. To watch you turn up in another shirt, to watch you play for another badge would break our hearts. Not now, not when Ole's turning us around. We need you now, more than ever.

Yet, I can understand that you might leave. Life is a complicated affair and can be cruel sometimes, yet it must go on. If you have to leave, I shall wish you all the best with teary eyes. If you do leave, you shall have our goodbyes, but you shall always be in our hearts.

Until then, Sir, I hope and I pray that you stay.

Much love,

A Manchester United fan