Liverpool and Manchester United played out a goalless draw on what had been dubbed ‘Red Monday’ by Sky Sports. The game was seen by many as an largely underwhelming affair, but there was one player that stood out for Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho tried to stop the fast start that was expected to be made by Liverpool, and his team were successful in doing this, but they were unable to capitalise and take all three points away from Anfield.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Phillipe Coutinho and Emre Can all had chances to break the deadlock, but it was Ander Herrera who stood out in the midfield more Manchester United, putting in a Man Of The Match display for Jose Mourinho’s side.
The Spaniard completed 74% of his passes playing in his deeper role in midfield, this time alongside Marouane Fellaini instead of record-signing Paul Pogba, who played in a more attacking role on ‘Red Monday’.
Although Herrera created no chances, he stayed strong in the midfield and provided an excellent shield in front of the back four. The 27-year-old won 80% of his aerial duels, and completed five take-ons during then goalless draw. In addition to this, Herrera made a total of 11 interceptions, more than any player in the Premier League this season in a single match.
Here is how fans on social media reacted to the superb performance of Herrera in the Manchester United midfielder.
Match was boring. Mou came to take a point and not win the game. Waste of time. Herrera was spectacular.
— domi (@DomiBeats) 17 October 2016
Ibra was shocking, Herrera immense, Felliani was Felliani, Tony V class, Bailly and Smalling decent, Blind poor, Pogba meh, Young pashun
— MH (@dyballocks) 17 October 2016
A special mention for Herrera. Defensively spectacular. Plays that holding role to perfection! #FullTimeSween
— Full Time DEVILS (@FullTimeDEVILS) 17 October 2016
So happy Herrera has finally got the games to prove how good he is. Has quickly become one of our most important players. Rightly MOTM.
— Hayley B (@Hayles_101) 17 October 2016
Thought Herrera was fantastic tonight. Brilliant time for him to get a run in the team a few weeks ago to prove himself capable for this.
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) 17 October 2016
Herrera man of the match again. He’s been brilliant this season
— jb8521 (@jb_8521) 17 October 2016