‘I wanted to stay at Man Utd – I only left after several disagreements’

Former Manchester United star Ander Herrera once confessed that he didn’t want to leave the club, but felt compelled to do so after a disagreement with the board. The Spanish international made his move to United from Athletic Bilbao in 2014, activating a clause in his contract to join the Red Devils.

It was a “dream come ‘true'” for Herrera, who became Louis Van Gaal’s first signing as manager. During his five-year stint at United, Herrera clinched the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield and Europa League. However, his first-team opportunities dwindled under Jose Mourinho’s reign.

Despite reclaiming his spot in the starting XI under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Herrera departed for PSG in July 2019. He later suggested that clashes with United’s hierarchy played a significant role in his decision to relocate to Paris. While he refrained from delving into the specifics of the disagreement, Herrera maintained his deep respect for United, acknowledging that disputes among staff and players are part and parcel of football.

“When I look back a year ago, my intention was not to leave Manchester United,” Herrera told to ESPN in May 2020. “I had some different opinions with the board but I respect them.”

“I respect them a lot. They do things for Manchester United and I disagree with the people who say they don’t. They really suffer when things don’t go well and they really fight to bring Manchester United back. I disagreed with some of the decisions they made but this happens in football. It happens in every company.

“Apart from that, I respect them. I had a great relationship with (former CEO of United) Ed Woodward and with the owners when they came, so I have nothing to complain about with them.”

Herrera’s departure from United was clearly a sore spot for the now 35-year-old. Speaking on a United podcast in December 2020, he broke down in tears as he recalled the reasons that saw him leave the club, reports the Mirror.

Invited on the pod to discuss his exit from Old Trafford, Herrera hinted at an internal conflict with club officials. He also admitted he felt he deserved more from the club after his performances during a strong third season and ultimately revealed how the ordeal was “painful” for him.

“To leave, it was difficult because six months before, five months before, I was expecting that offer for me to stay,” he said. “It’s not the moment to talk bad about anyone and I am not going to do it, but after my third season with the club I expected a little bit more from the club at that time.

“I got the Player of the Year award by the fans and the club didn’t call me that summer to sign a new contract, and they did with other players. That was painful for me, honestly.”

Herrera, who made 132 appearances and netted 12 goals for the Red Devils, enjoyed a successful stint in Paris, clinching the Ligue 1 title twice. However, he narrowly missed out on Champions League glory in 2020 when PSG were defeated by Bayern Munich in the final. He returned to La Liga with Athletic Bilbao in 2023 where he continues to play his football.