Ander Herrera is ready for the challenge of proving he deserves a place in Manchester United's new-look midfield and said he has a clear understanding of Louis van Gaal's philosophy.
Herrera, who joined United from Athletic Bilbao last summer, faces increased competition for a place in central midfield after the arrivals of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin this summer.
The Spaniard, 25, has already welcomed the new signings and he has now said he believes they can drive him to improve.
"After one season, I know how well I have to play to keep playing for Manchester United," he told the Daily Mirror. "I'm happy with my development last season, but this is Manchester United -- I have to keep improving if I want to play for this club.
"This is Manchester United. We have the capacity to buy new players, we have the best players in the world, but I think it's good for me. I'm a young player, I want to keep improving but, of course, it's always difficult to keep playing here. Now there are even better players than last season, but it's a good challenge for me.
"I love football, I love my job and I love to improve, so I don't see that as a problem. I see it as a new challenge that will make me better."
He added: "I have to prove myself, I have to show myself, and now I am maybe at the biggest club in the world, so I have to show it.
"It was a new country, a new city, a new club for me, one of the biggest, but football is football everywhere. If I'm a professional player and if I work every day, I'm going to get the chance to play and to be important for United.
"I think I was important in moments last season, but I want to be even more important this season."
Herrera had to fight for his place under Van Gaal last season, and he said in March that his long absence from the side had been down to a failure to heed the coach's tactical instructions.
Now, though, he is clear on the Dutchman's philosophy.
"The manager always says the same thing," he said. "He has a philosophy, about the behaviour of the team, both on the pitch and off it, and also about the style of football. He always wants [United] to be the protagonist in games.
"He wants to win the games through the ball, trying to attack all the time, but he doesn't like to take so many risks.
"He wants to get possession and he wants players who can play the ball and don't lose it. I think that's one of the more clear characteristics Louis van Gaal has."