Manchester United trigger 12-month contract extension for midfielder

Manchester United have triggered their option in Ander Herrera’s contract to a further 12 months to prevent the midfielder leaving for free at the end of the season, reports The Daily Mail.

Jose Mourinho’s side have been locked in talks with the Spaniard’s representatives all season but are still looking to make a breakthrough in discussions.

Herrera would have been free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 under the terms in his previous deal but United have moved to prevent that from happening.

The 28-year-old’s priority is to remain at Old Trafford and he is even prepared to snub interest from Atletico Madrid in order to prolong his stay at United, where he has established himself as a fan favourite under Mourinho.

Herrera was a key part of Mourinho’s first season at United and there were even calls for the Spain international to be made captain after Wayne Rooney’s departure over the summer, but he has slipped down the pecking order this term.

He was only afforded a run in the team after injuries to Michael Carrick, Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini forced Mourinho’s hand, while he was back among the subs at the weekend following Pogba’s return from injury.

Since the start of last season, Herrera has completed more tackles (106) and interceptions (94) than any other United player.