Can Ander Herrera solve Manchester United’s long-term midfield problem?

 Ander Herrera was tracked by Manchester United for some time before he signed (Picture: Getty Images)

After all the fuss surrounding Ander Herrera’s arrival at Manchester United, he was going to have to do something fairly impressive to justify the club’s determination to sign him.

In the summer of 2013 there was talk of impostors negotiating on United’s behalf, only for the deal to fall through, leaving United with Marouane Fellaini as their sole signing.

When Louis van Gaal sanctioned the transfer last summer, United fans were full of anticipation, with most only having seen him play when Atletico Bilbao knocked United out of the Europa League.

In Saturday’s 3-0 win over Hull, with United securing their place in the top four for another week, Herrera was the man of the match. He replaced the injured Angel di Maria with less than 15 minutes played and went on to boss the game from the centre of the park.

Van Gaal was quick to sing the midfielder’s praises after the match, clearly impressed with the midfielder’s ability to keep possession for the team.

‘I have to say Herrera came in and did fantastic,’ he enthused. ‘I was very pleased with how he did. He is a very fit player which is why I also let him play in the Reserves. I’m very happy for him because he needed a good performance.’

It hasn’t all be plain sailing for the Spaniard though. After enjoying great form in his first few games, he sustained a broken rib against West Ham.

His next appearance was against West Brom and he was subbed off at half-time following a dreadful 45 minutes of football. His replacement, Fellaini, scored the equaliser for United moments after coming on.

Manchester United’s Ander Herrera made the difference against West Brom (Picture: Getty Images)

Since then, Herrera had played for the reserves, but Saturday’s win over Hull was his first appearance in the first team. He has the injury for Daley Blind to thank for his opportunity but supporters will be delighted that he made the most of his second chance and rediscovered his early form.

With the midfield being a long-term problem for United, the supporters will be surprised by the options their team currently has in midfield. Whilst Herrera stole the show, Michael Carrick and Fellaini both put in great performances against Hull too.

A few weeks ago, United were being written off, but with Herrera and company taking control, it’s starting to look as though top four is merely the minimum requirement for the club this season.