After Daley Blind’s super strike, to put Manchester United one up against Liverpool, the Red Devil’s offence became relentless. They would not let up on bombarding the Liverpool box.
Then Ander Herrera surged into the box, only to be fouled by Liverpool’s 18 year old left back, Joe Gomez. The ref deemed it a foul and a penalty was given to United.
With Wayne Rooney injured and Juan Mata subbed off, the penalty winner had to step up to the plate.
Herrera set the ball, ran in and smashed the ball into the top of net, miles away from efforts of Simon Mingolet.
United’s Spanish midfield was questioned as to if he’d ever taken a penalty before, he responded:
“Never, never. But the manager last season gave me the confidence. He told me I had the quality to take penalties and I have practiced every week. And, today, when I received the penalty, I thought the number-one taker isn’t on the pitch, I’m the second taker so I’m happy for that. But, next time, if the number-one taker is on the pitch I won’t be taking it.”
“I tried [put some force behind it] because I knew in advance that Mignolet is a big keeper, very tall and very elastic. I tried to hit it as hard as possible and it was a good goal but the most important thing was the win.”
The Spaniard was overjoyed with his maiden penalty and the fans at the game:
“It’s not only a victory,”
“It’s a very special day for us and our fans. When I arrived here, I realised what this game means for our fans. I have played three games against them and beat them in every game so I am very happy.”
Ander Herrera has been making a very strong case to keep his place in Louis van Gaal’s starting line up.
