Ander Herrera put in an eye-catching display as Manchester United cruised to a 4-0 win over Club Brugge in Belgium.
The Spaniard made his first start of the season, beginning the game alongside Michael Carrick in midfield.
Despite an early booking and an underwhelming first half in general, Herrera turned his fortunes around in the second period by registering an assist and a goal.
After being moved into a more advanced role, the 26-year-old played a sumptuous pass into the path of Wayne Rooney for Man United’s second of the night. He was then put through himself by Bastian Schweinsteiger before finishing calmly past Sinan Bolat in the Brugge goal. United fans were delighted to see Herrera back to his best and they made their feelings known:
Herrera looked so much better in that position. More of that please, Louis.
— Manchester La La La (@ManchestrLaLaLa) August 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/Samar7/status/636630513369743361
Herrera is our best number 10. Sheer excellence.
— Mark Lenehan (@MarkLenehan) August 26, 2015
Saying that, Herrera is different gravy. But we knew that already… #nuff
— Serge Adam (@SergeMUFC) August 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/tubby0712/status/636628693893447680
Herrera definitely doesn't work as a double pivot next to Carrick, but he's great at #10.
— Jason (@jh_9390) August 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/Chris__Fleming/status/636630915519803392
Herrera’s second half performance has put him firmly into Louis Van Gaal‘s thinking ahead of United’s visit to Swansea City this weekend.
Despite only having 15 minutes in the No.10 role, his impact cannot be understated. Herrera proved that, when played in the right position, he can flourish.