Erik ten Hag already has a future Manchester United legend in his ranks: Marcus Rashford.
That's according to Ander Herrera, who's heaped praise on his former teammate. Herrera spent more than three years as Rashford's pal in the Old Trafford dressing room, witnessing first-hand his meteoric rise from academy prodigy to senior star.
Now 24, the Mancunian native remains an integral part of the Red Devils' squad, now under his third permanent manager in Ten Hag and playing alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo. And with the guidance of both of those figures, Herrera hopes that Rashford can continue to shine at his boyhood club and become "one of the biggest Manchester United players in history".
"Marcus makes a big difference when he's fit and when he's in a good moment," the Spanish midfielder, who recently returned to Athletic Bilbao following a three-season stint with Paris Saint-Germain upon leaving United, told ESPN. "He has now the best teacher in the team, with the best example, with Cristiano.
"So, of course [he can be a key player], but sometimes we are not fair with some players. We are not fair with Marcus or – I could give you more examples – with Vinicius [Junior] or with these kind of players. You cannot compare them with [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano because it's like if the Spanish midfielders, we are compared with Xavi [Hernandez] and [Andres] Iniesta.
"We are going to lose [that comparison], of course. But you have to judge them individually. Marcus can be a fantastic player for Manchester United. He is, in fact, he has done some amazing things at the club.
"You cannot ask him to do what Cristiano has done during his career because that wouldn't be fair. Marcus has everything to become one of the biggest Manchester United players in history. He is back at his best, he is scoring and helping the team and as a United fan, I'm happy."
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So how does Herrera rate the Red Devils under Ten Hag's guise? "I follow all the games and I'm still in contact with some players. I want them to win every single game and I'm optimistic," the 33-year-old declared, with United having won eight of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Their arch-enemies, Liverpool, infamously went 30 years without winning a league title and unless Ten Hag pulls off a miracle, the Red Devils will hit 10 barren seasons come May. Herrera doesn't fear that United supporters will ever suffer the same fate as the Anfield faithful, though, backing his old employers to rule the land once more soon enough.
"Even in the bad moments I remain optimistic because of the fans and how big the club is," the Old Trafford fan favourite stated. "They've had a few years without trophies but things take time. Liverpool were a long time without trophies and now they are back and doing great. I'm sure United will do the same and it won't take 30 years, I'm sure."
