Ander Herrera on United, Ajax and Mourinho
On the UEFA Europa League final …
It’s a pivotal game for us, for our ambition to play in the Champions League next season. It’s also a European trophy, an important one. It has been a long time since United last won a European trophy and the Europa League is the only competition the club haven’t won yet. All this makes it a very important game for us, but the same goes for Ajax. I’ll do everything I can to bring the trophy back to Manchester, while also remaining aware of Ajax’s qualities and not underestimating them.
The trophy’s a very heavy one? I don’t even want to think about it – it could be bad luck. I prefer to think that we are going to face a good team and that we need to perform to our best to win the final. I prefer not to think about the trophy. Would I touch it before the game? No chance.
On Ajax …
I’m sure they are as excited as we are. We respect them, because they have performed well so far and because they have very talented players. They are a very dynamic and attack-minded team. They are also a club with great history and clubs like this make finals even more special. Ajax and United are European giants, so it will be a very attractive game for everyone.
On losing with Athletic in the 2012 UEFA Europa League final …
Those are bad memories, because I lost. Atlético Madrid were better than us. We had a fantastic campaign – we knocked out top teams like Schalke, Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon – and we went into the final as favourites, but Atlético managed the game well. They were a more experienced team than us and that can be decisive in a final. But even if I hadn’t lost that final, this final would still be as huge a game for me. Every final you play gets your whole attention. You don’t think of what happened in the past.
On José Mourinho …
He has already won two trophies in his first season: the Community Shield and the League Cup. That’s not easy at all. That shows what he is: a winner. It is in his DNA. He does everything to win and I think that’s the perfect match for Manchester United. A winning coach at a club that’s used to winning.
On being a fan favourite at United …
I don’t feel comfortable talking about myself. The only thing I can say is that I always try to give my best, without making any excuses. Sometimes things go well, sometimes they go badly, but effort and dedication aren’t negotiable. When I came to Manchester United, I was aware it was a unique opportunity and I was determined to make the most of it. That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m not perfect, but I always try to give my best. I don’t want to feel at the end of the game that I still have some energy left. Our fans have watched incredible players and to try to keep up the club’s standards, you need to give it your all.
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