Man United's Herrera confident still has key role to play

The Spaniard earned praise last season for his influence on the side as they won the League Cup and Europa League but has lost his spot to Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic this campaign.

Overlooked on Sunday despite Paul Pogba’s absence through injury, Herrera came on as a 77th minute substitute against Everton and stabilised United’s midfield. United then scored three times in the final 10 minutes for a 4-0 win.

“I feel as important as I did last season,” the 28-year-old told British media.

“I am a team player and I always say that and if the manager decides to keep me on the bench I will be ready. I said that last season and it is the same now.”

United’s player of the year last season, Herrera said he had no problem watching team mates Matic and Marouane Fellaini from the sidelines.

”I can learn from Nemanja and from ‘Felly’, he has some abilities that we don’t have in midfield. Paul Pogba is our most free midfielder and I can learn from him as well.

“I will try to enjoy every minute I have on the pitch. I want to win titles and feel part of the team and feel important and I really do feel important because the manager makes me feel important.”