'This is his club' - How Man United icon Ander Herrera can fulfil dad’s 'dream' this weekend

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has the opportunity to fulfil his father’s dream this weekend.

The 34-year-old midfielder left United in 2019, joining PSG, before returning to Atheltic Bilbao in 2022. It is Herrera’s second stint at the Basque club, where he has been reunited with former manager Ernesto Valverde.

Herrera became a fan favourite during his five years at United but never lost his deep connection to the Basque region. This weekend, Athletic Bilbao will take on Mallorca in the Copa del Rey final and the midfielder has the chance to end the club’s 40-year trophy drought and fulfil his father’s lifelong dream.

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"He played more than 200 games in the first division but he couldn't make it here," Herrera told BBC Sport. "That would have been his dream because this is his club, it is the club he was a fan of when he was a kid."

Despite beginning his career with rivals Real Zaragoza, Herrera admits that Athletic Bilbao’s Basque-only ethos has always inspired him. "I am still a Real Zaragoza fan but I admire this club the way Athletic compete, the way they respect the institution," he added.

"Something that I really like from this club, and I would like my club to have more, is identity. Everyone feels part of it. Even the fans when they go to the stadium, they feel part of this club.”

Athletic Bilbao have defeated Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on their route to the Copa del Rey final. The club are one step away from glory but Herrera is aware that he has already made his family