Why a new deal for Ander Herrera is more important to Man United than any other this summer

He could be the long-term replacement for Carrick

Michael Carrick has been at Old Trafford since 2006, and he is just as important to the team now as he was when he joined from Spurs over a decade ago.

The former England international has played 444 times for the Red Devils in that time, winning five Premier League titles, an FA Cup crown, and the Champions League back in 2008.

However, at the age of 35, time is running out on Carrick’s United career, and it’s arguable that it is beginning to catch up on him already, given that he has been replaced at half time in three of his last seven starts.

Yet, they arguably have a ready-made replacement in Herrera.

He may not be as calm a figure as Carrick, but he has all the attributes to be that midfield general that the Englishman has been over the last ten years or so.

While Herrera has more attacking qualities than Carrick, which perhaps could be wasted in the more defensive role, his control of the middle, his ball retention, and positional awareness are all important qualities to have in that role.

Carrick is arguably irreplaceable, yet Herrera is probably the closest thing United have to him at present, and as such must be tied down to a new deal this summer.