United could not complete a deal for Herrera in time…
Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera never reached an agreement to join Premier League champions Manchester United, but is flattered by their interest, reports the Daily Star.
United were prepared to pay the combative midfielder’s £36m buy-out-clause, but complications regarding the fee forced United to bizarrely send local lawyers into Bilbao headquarters to thrash out a deal before the deadline shut.
They failed to do so, and manager David Moyes instead only managed to sign £27.5m Belgian powerhouse Marouane Fellaini, who he managed at Everton for five years.
Herrera has confirmed that he never reached an agreement with the buying club, and never saw himself leaving his La Liga team.
“I never reached an agreement with United,” Herrera confirmed, although he did admit to being flattered by their approach.
“It is an honour that United made an offer for me and that Athletic want me.
“I won’t speak about theories. I only count the things that have happened and at no point did I speak with United.”
Instead of playing Champions League football and challenging for the Premier League, Herrera will continue to play for the Basque club, but it is unknown whether United will return with another offer in January.
“I am going to continue demonstrating my commitment to Athletic like I have from the first day that I arrived,” he said.
COMMENTS