Herrera reflects on ‘great’ Manchester United season

They may have underperformed in the Premier League this season but Ander Herrera insists their Europa League victory helps confirm their season as one of overall success.

The Red Devils finished the season down in sixth place in the league – outside of the European spots afforded to English clubs finishing in the top five.

(Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

They accumulated 24 fewer points than champions Chelsea while fifth-placed Arsenal were six points clear of them.

However, manager Jose Mourinho’s gamble to concentrate on the Europa League – and the prize of a place in the Champions League next season for the victors – in the latter part of this campaign paid off in style on Wednesday night as they beat Ajax 2-0 in Stockholm’s Friends Arena.

That not only guaranteed them a place in Europe’s top competition next season but also took their tally of trophies for the season to three following the EFL Cup and Community Shield triumphs.

And Herrera is adamant that haul helps to take away some of the disappointment of their league performances.

“The motivation when you put on the United shirt is big; the obligation is also big because we are the greatest club in England and one of the greatest in the world,” he said.

“We know we could have done better in the Premier League, so to finish with three titles is fantastic.

“It was the game of the season because we couldn’t talk about a good season if we didn’t win it.

“We can now talk about a great season because we have three trophies and are in the Champions League next season.”