Don't think so. Matić more closer replacement is Carrick. And Herrera did provided 11 assists last season. But Fellaini is a physical and height presence and he's on form now. But the difference between the two was clear as water later in the Everton game. Herrera was calm on the ball and exchanged short passes, the only way we got back on the game.
21
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 39
- Goals
- 2
- Assists
- 2
- Yellow cards
- 5
- Status
He will be needed surely, even just from the bench. Matic has come in and just improved the team, and the team is the most important. Now with Pogba injured he would start in more games I think.
as was observed by Mourinho.
Currently, Matic is the best player. Herrera is a different type of player.
For me over the long term, Herrera's value will be appreciated. Pure gold.
On the other hand stats don't tell every story. Many a game I've seen Herrera delay a pass or refuse a pass and keep it safe. In these instances his pass rate will be high but I get what you're saying. My original point stands Jose doesn't deserve to be criticised for his selection when his team won the game 4-0.
Man Utd 4:1 Burton
He had very good game, won possession so many times and also used the ball well.
His interceptions and through passes were great today.
I do think he will be really really important in the bigger games when we move to a 3 man midfield.
Think he will play against the big teams, neutralizing the big threats (Coutinho/Hazard) like last season.
Agreed. Very disciplined when given a specific role. Thought he was our best midfielder in the big games last season
He may be our not so secret weapon when we get to massive games.
Isnt as attackingly excellent as in his 1st season but very important for the balance. His intercepting is great.
Won the ball very well I thought.
Bit random, but after Lingard scored and was celebrating, it seemed like Herrera grabbed him and told him to go and celebrate with Martial. Seems tuned in to who needs the love on the pitch
Very mature performance, I felt he led the team well tonight and set the tone with his pressing.
His performance today showed he will have a very important role to play this season in CL & Pl games against top 6 teams.
The amount of interceptions he made last night, I don't think I've ever seen somebody with so many. I counted 3 alone in the first 2 minutes.
I think it's only a matter of time before he's back in the team as first choice. Pogba to push more forward maybe.
I think it's only a matter of time before he's back in the team as first choice. Pogba to push more forward maybe.
Southampton 0:1 Man Utd
What happens to his technical ability when in the opposing box?
This is why he is behind Fellaini in the pecking order. Fellaini can do minimum 75% of the defensive work he does minus the running and is more clinical in front of goal whenever he gets the chance.
You've got to hit the target at the very least from there.
Both him and Fellaini showing why one is starting and the other isn't.
Honestly I though he did very well when he was introduced. Should have scored his chance, though, but he intercepted some dangerous balls and provided us with extra cover.
I'm an Ander but agree with you. On form the Afro should start over Herrera. And that miss... OMG...
He had to at least hit the target. But, let's be honest: last year he was our POTY, and yet he scored only ONE goal in the league.
You people wailing on him. The guy hasn't played much top flight football this season at all. Needs a couple games to find his groove.
He was absolutely everywhere.
Added some much needed energy to the midfield when he came on and it was a hard game to get into as we were already on the backfoot when he got on and the next change made us even more negative. Should have scorfed his chance though, but that is a silly thing to hold against him, he's not the only one to miss a good chance for us.
That shot 
At least hit the bloody target!
At least hit the bloody target!Horrible shot but otherwise played well, intercepted some dangerous passes.
I don't believe he was this bad at scoring in his first season. Has LvG's coaching changed him permanently or something?
Added some much needed energy, but should have been introduced earlier.
By the time he came on, we were already in defensive mode.
Also, bad miss.
By the time he came on, we were already in defensive mode.
Also, bad miss.
Was energetic, added another body in midfield, did some running and missed a good chance. Nothing really special. Has not played much, so probably, needs a few matches to get going.
Should feature in a midfield 3 until Pogba returns, only way we'll keep some sort of control of the midfield.
That shot
Even if he hit it lower it was still straight at the keeper. It was an awful shot. He should be directing that to the sides.
Hitting the target to keep some dignity at least. It was weird because he took time to control it, we all expected some precise shot and not that shit.
Needs to start next game in place of Fellaini. Fellaini Is a great plan B which we all know but throughout the entirety of a game Herrera improves the team more imo.
Last seasons player of the year is playing well? Surprising.
If I remember right he had an unsustainably high conversion right in that first season. So it was more that he was never as good at scoring as his first season suggested.
I think his technical ability is limited regardless of whether he's in the box or not
Poor on the shot but otherwise he played well when he came on I felt. I'd like to see him start on Wednesday and Saturday.
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