Ander Herrera Takes Subtle Dig at Former Club Man United Ahead of Europa League Showdown
Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has stirred the pot ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg, making it clear that his loyalties now firmly lie with Athletic Bilbao as the Spanish side prepares to take on the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
Herrera, who spent five years at Manchester United and won the Europa League with the club in 2017, didn’t shy away from voicing his support for Bilbao — where he began his career and now plays again in the twilight of his career. Speaking ahead of the crucial second leg, Herrera’s comments hinted at disappointment in the way things ended at Old Trafford and revealed a passionate backing for his current side.
Herrera’s Thinly Veiled Swipe
While not directly attacking Manchester United, Herrera’s tone suggested a desire to see his former club falter. “I respect my time at Manchester United, but my heart beats for Athletic,” he said in an interview with a Spanish outlet. “We will give everything to turn this tie around. Football is full of surprises, and I believe in my teammates.”
His statement may come as a surprise to United fans who once saw him as a fan favorite and committed midfielder during his time in Manchester. However, his loyalty has long been with Athletic Club, where he is now looking to finish his career on a high.
Manchester United’s Dominant First Leg
Manchester United enter the second leg with a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead, following a ruthless display at San Mames last week. Goals from Bruno Fernandes — who bagged a brace — and Casemiro put the Red Devils in full control of the tie, with a place in the Europa League final now within touching distance.
Despite the comfortable margin, United manager Ruben Amorim has urged his players to stay focused and avoid complacency. “This is Europe. Anything can happen. We respect Athletic and their quality,” he said in his pre-match press conference.
San Mames Awaits the Final
Should United seal progression on Thursday night, they will play the Europa League final at San Mames on May 21, a fitting potential return to Bilbao for Herrera — although this time as a rival. The final will pit the winners of this tie against either Bodo/Glimt or Tottenham Hotspur, who face off in the other semi-final.
Herrera, while expressing hope for a comeback, acknowledged the difficulty ahead. “We know it’s tough, but this is football. I’ve seen crazier things. If we score early, it could get interesting
Looking Ahead
United’s form in Europe this season has been near flawless. They remain unbeaten in the Europa League, with eight wins and five draws across the campaign so far. While injuries have disrupted parts of their domestic season, their European resilience has been one of the standout features under Amorim’s early tenure.
As for Athletic, missing key players like Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet due to injury could make the task even harder. The absence of such influential figures adds more weight to Herrera’s rallying call for belief and effort in the second leg.
Final Thoughts
Ander Herrera’s comments may have stung some Manchester United fans, but they reflect the emotional pull of a player returning to his roots. With United on the verge of another European final, the clash at Old Trafford is set to be a night of intensity, nostalgia, and perhaps a few lingering regrets.
Will Herrera have the last laugh, or will United march confidently to Bilbao once again — this time, with silverware in sight?
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