I didn't want to leave Man United – it was painful they offered some players new deals but not me

Leaving a club of Manchester United's stature is never going to be easy, something Ander Herrera could attest to.

Herrera spent five years at United, winning the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League before moving to Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. The former Spain midfielder won two league titles during his time in Paris, but if it were up to him he would have remained at Old Trafford.

Speaking to ESPN back in May 2020, Herrera said of his United departure: "When I look back a year ago, my intention was not to leave Manchester United. I had some different opinions with the board but I respect them.

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"I respect them a lot. They do things for Manchester United and I disagree with the people who say they don't. They really suffer when things don't go well and they really fight to bring Manchester United back. I disagreed with some of the decisions they made but this happens in football. It happens in every company.

"Apart from that, I respect them. I had a great relationship with Ed Woodward and with the owners when they came, so I have nothing to complain about with them."

Herrera was crowned the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year - an award voted for by the fans - in his third season with United and he admitted he was shocked to hear he wouldn't be offered a new contract when his deal expired. He described the situation as 'painful' and said he was surprised to see others offered new deals when he had been allowed to leave.

“To leave, it was difficult because six months before, five months before, I was expecting that offer for me to stay,” he added. “It's not the