Why Manchester United are right to let Ander Herrera walk

Manchester United fans have adored Ander Herrera ever since he walked through the Old Trafford entrance doors back in 2013.

The Basque-born midfielder understands how this club operates, he was always keen to learn about the Red Devils’ history and traditions. On top of that, he always played with a passion and a care. He loves this club.

In terms of quality, I’d argue he has been our most consistent midfielder over that five-year stretch. Perhaps Nemanja Matic is up there too, but it’s damning in itself that Michael Carrick also runs him close in that regard.

Yesterday, though, we covered a story which suggested Herrera has already agreed terms to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer this coming summer.

Herrera’s out of contract, United aren’t willing to budge on their wage demands; which is somewhat unusual. After the Alexis Sanchez debacle, coupled with Jose Mourinho’s ineptitude, it seems as though this club are trying to head in a right direction. Sure, we’d all prefer someone else to be the scapegoat of this new regime, but if it has to be Herrera, then so be it.

The 29-year-old sits atop the list of players who could exit, who are big earners and who have largely underperformed. Herrera’s the best of that bunch, make no mistake about it, but he’s hardly world class. The fact that Louis van Gaal and the aforementioned Mourinho weren’t fully sold on him tells you that.

Will he be missed? Absolutely. Is he irreplaceable? Absolutely not. United can go out and get another Herrera this summer pretty comfortably, and a younger version, too.

He’s decent with the ball at his feet, doesn’t shirk a tackle but is sometimes rash. He’s pretty good defensively but he doesn’t score many and being mobile is pretty much required in the modern-day game. I guess what we’ll miss most is his energy, passion and work ethic.

Credit has to go to Solskjaer. He’s obviously trying to say a precedent, and it’s one that needed to be set about five years ago at this club. I guess it’s better late than not at all, and although it’ll be sad to see Herrera go and join Paris Saint-Germain, it’s the correct call.