MAN UNITED CAN benefit from Pep Guardiola’s appointment at Manchester City, according to Ander Herrera, who has warned the coach to expect significant pressure to succeed when he takes over.
City confirmed this week that Guardiola has agreed a three-year deal to replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium from the start of next season, bringing an end to immense speculation surrounding his next club.
And despite the Bayern Munich coach’s formidable record at his current club and Barcelona, Herrera believes even United can improve due to his appointment at their city rivals.
“I see it as a positive from our point of view. We’re going to get better,” the Spanish midfielder told Marca.
“City have always historically been below United, and that gives them a psychological advantage as they’re coming from behind.
“With Pep, with the multi-million spending, I hope there will be more pressure for them. The fans expect a lot: to win the league by 10 points, to reach the Champions League final…
“Pep seems to be a phenomenon. I’ve always enjoyed watching his teams, but the expectations at City will be very big.”
United boss Louis van Gaal’s future remains uncertain, with rumours that Jose Mourinho will replace him at Old Trafford refusing to go away despite their upturn in form over the past week.
Herrera has rejected the idea that Mourinho’s style of play would not meet the demands of the United fanbase and sees no reason as to why he could not succeed the Dutchman when his contract runs out in 2017.
Mourinho played with Cesc Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa at Chelsea. He only had Nemanja Matic as a defensive pivot. Isn’t that an attractive style? Or his Real Madrid who got a record amount of goals in a year?” he continued.
“Van Gaal has another year on his contract and he can follow him. Why not?”
The 26-year-old insists it would be unjust to sack Van Gaal given that United are still in the hunt for three trophies.
There’s more patience in England but not only with Van Gaal. Mourinho was three points from the drop and they didn’t get rid of him. Arsene Wenger has gone nine years without the title and he’s still at Arsenal. City go three weeks without a win and there are no doubts about Pellegrini,” he said.
“I think it would be unfair to sack Van Gaal. We still have the chance to win three titles: the FA Cup, the Europa League and the Premier League, even though we’re 10 points behind Leicester City.”
