Ander Herrera impresses former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson

(Manchester United News)

Ander Herrera impresses former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson

Bryan Robson has pinpointed one of Ander Herrera's many qualities that have made an impression on him during the Spaniard's debut season at Manchester United.

While his countryman Juan Mata has been winning the recent plaudits, including March's Player of the Month award, Herrera has also been in excellent form and set up Mata's first goal against Liverpool with an inch-perfect pass.

The 25-year-old acquisition from Athletic Club has shown signs of being able to provide the sort of all-action performances that were a hallmark of Robson's feted career at Old Trafford. Although perhaps not quite the box-to-box midfield marauder that the former United captain was in his heyday, Herrera plays at a high tempo and always makes himself available to receive possession.

"Ander started off the season well and he’s got a lot of energy," Robson told ManUtd.com. "He is always on the move, trying to close people down really quickly. He has got a lot of qualities really, it’s just getting them out of him on a consistent basis. But he has got that in his locker, maybe it’s just taken him and a few of the new signings time to adapt to the Premier League. 

"He is quite good defensively and, when I watch him, I can see he has a lot of energy and he does like to get involved. What I like about him is that, when people are on the ball, he is always on the move to try and receive the pass."

Bryan Robson was speaking at the launch of Red Heart United, a charity match between United and Bayern Munich legends at Old Trafford on 14 June. Tickets are on sale now.