Football
Andrew Hush 10y

Ander Herrera impresses on debut

PASADENA, Calif. -- Ander Herrera's impressive debut was hailed by his Manchester United teammates after the Spanish midfielder starred in a 7-0 preseason win over the LA Galaxy.

Herrera was one of two starters who logged the full 90 minutes at the Rose Bowl -- fellow midfielder Darren Fletcher was the other -- and the 24-year-old collected the man of the match award for a display which saw him set up two goals for Ashley Young and play a key role in much of United's attacking output.

Afterwards, Juan Mata spoke glowingly about his fellow countryman's performance, with whom he often linked.

"He was very good today and I am very happy for him," Mata, who played the first half and assisted Danny Welbeck's opening goal, told reporters after the match. "We have a good connection inside the pitch and outside the pitch and he will give us a lot of good things this season."

Anders Lindegaard admitted that he was surprised at just how well Herrera performed, given the short time he has had with his new teammates following his summer move from Athletic Bilbao.

"There are a lot of new things to adapt to, especially for him," said the goalkeeper. "He doesn't only have to adapt to the new system, he has to adapt to the whole setup, which is different to what he has seen before."

- Premier League clubs impress in the USA

Lindegaard described Herrera's qualities, which were often in evidence vs. the Galaxy.

"He is obviously a very talented player -- everyone can see that. He is good on the ball, off the ball. He is good offensively, defensively, he is very clever. He is a very nice guy as well and seems to be clever and bright so I am sure he has a big future."

Galaxy manager, Bruce Arena, stated that Herrera, Mata and Fletcher provided the platform from which United romped to victory.

"I think in the first half that was a big part of them owning the game in the middle third of the field. They were terrific, not only with their passing, but winning some tackles, and picking up some second balls. I was very impressed with that."

On Saturday, United play Roma in Denver, Colorado. The game is the club's first in the International Champions Cup and is followed by matches vs. Inter Milan on July 29 and, on Aug. 2, Real Madrid.

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