“As the full-time whistle was drowned out by Manchester United’s rapturous away support on Monday night, the victorious staff and players were excused for letting their raw delight show.
“However, it spoke volumes that Ander Herrera immediately used the moment to congratulate fellow Spanish speaker Alexis Sanchez following a troublesome start to his United life. The Basque-born midfielder jolted the former Arsenal forward with a motivational gesture on the pitch and congratulated him on his encouraging cameo display. Not only the true sign of leadership but the true sign of a United captain.“
ICYMI: @ManUtd beat @ChelseaFC to book their place in the #EmiratesFACup quarter finals 👇 pic.twitter.com/vKay97nL81— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 18, 2019
“Much is said of the deep understanding Herrera has for the club. His profound knowledge of United and all who have worn the shirt before him is not just PR rhetoric. But more impressive is the way in which the former Bilbao midfielder leads with his actions, and the manner in which he glues the midfield together with the perfect balance of tenacity and technique.
🍽 | @paulpogba puts it on a plate for @AnderHerrera! pic.twitter.com/uFzbSfBTjI— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 18, 2019
“In the build-up to his opening goal at Stamford Bridge, the Spanish midfielder not only used his technical ability to drag the Chelsea defence wide open, but he also emphasised his authority with a loud scream for the ball once Paul Pogba got into position. A matter of seconds later and the masterpiece he had painted in his head was etched into football folklore for the rest of eternity. “
Giving Herrera the armband could actually help ease the immense pressure on Pogba