Herrera: We are ready to make our fans proud again

We spoke to the passionate midfielder during his visit to Manchester Academy High School in Moss Side, with the MU Foundation, where he discussed the importance of his break ahead of this weekend's Premier League match against Crystal Palace.

"I went to Spain for three days," Ander told us. "It is important to train but it is also important to rest as well. I am fresh again, ready to help and I am ready to make our fans proud.

"We need the people of Old Trafford to support us and we want them to see our reaction, our desire to win and to get three points." 

'FOUR IMPORTANT LEAGUE GAMES' 

The visit of Roy Hodgson's Palace on Saturday begins a run of three league games at Old Trafford for United, including a visit from Arsenal. Our Spanish midfielder, Herrera, knows it is important to return to winning ways this weekend.

"We have four important league games with three at home - against Crystal Palace, Southampton away, then Fulham and Arsenal at home, as well as Young Boys in the Champions League," Ander explained.

"We must try and win all the games because, if we do, I think we will be very close to the top four. As soon as I recovered from the derby, I started to think about Crystal Palace. It’s important to win at home to get some confidence and to be closer to the top four."

Herrera started in the derby defeat to Manchester City last time out and feels the players are eager to get back on the pitch.

"After City it was a tough two or three days because it is never nice to lose a derby for the fans, players, anyone in the club," he told us.

"I know everyone wanted to play as soon as possible after the derby. When you lose a game, you want to play within the next day or two if possible."

'FOOTBALL CAN MOTIVATE KIDS'

Ander was speaking at a Manchester United Foundation event on Wednesday morning, where he surprised a group of school children and helped them with their Spanish lesson.

Our no.21 explained why he takes part in events likes this for the Foundation, and how football is so important for youngsters.

"Sometimes the world separates us from society and we make the effort to do these activities the Foundation put on, because football can help people and motivate children to study," said Herrera.

"When I was a teenager, I found it hard to study because you have a lot of temptations and other activities to do. My mum used to tell me if I did not study, I could not train.

"I was not a brilliant student, but I passed my exams by being a good student, so I think football can motivate kids to study and be better human beings."

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