Manchester United are unwilling to part ways with Ander Herrera amid interest from Barcelona.

According to Samuel Lovett of the Independent, Manchester United have laughed off the idea of selling midfielder Ander Herrera as they are keen to keep hold of the player amid interest from La Liga side Barcelona.

With Ernesto Valverde is expected to take over at the helm at Barcelona, he named the United midfielder as one of his top transfer targets as he wanted to have a reunion after working together at Atheltic Bilbao.

However, that is now unlikely to happen as United boss Jose Mourinho is unwilling to part ways with Herrera in the summer. The 27-year-old has become of the manager’s key players this season, and is expected to be a guaranteed starter next season.

He is on the back of his best campaigns in a United jersey, making a total of 51 appearances in all competitions. He also won the Fans’ Player of the Year, termed as the Sir Matt Busby award, for his exemplary performances this past season.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Ander Herrera of Manchester United celebrates victory after the EFL Cup Final match between Manchester United and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2017 in London, England. Manchester United beat Southampton 3-2. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Ander Herrera of Manchester United celebrates victory after the EFL Cup Final match between Manchester United and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo Courtesy: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Had the offer come Herrera’s way a season ago, he would not have hesitated to jump ship and move to Barcelona. They have been more successful than the Manchester club in the last decade, and possess the stronger squad to go with it.

The Spanish midfielder had seen his progress been hampered under Louis van Gaal, as the Dutchman could  not hand him a fixed role, and kept expecting him to play in a number of positions week after week.

Due to Herrera’s inability to cope up, he failed to fit into van Gaal’s team. However, Mourinho has managed to bring the best out of the Spanish midfielder, and he has been deployed in the Michael Carrick role.

The 27-year-old ended the season on a high note by winning the Europa League for Manchester United, and was the man of the match in the finale against Ajax. That 2-0 victory saw the Red Devils qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Mourinho is set to add to the strength in his squad as his team will be challenging on multiple fronts next season. Also, already having the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season, Herrera is unlikely to even consider moving away from Manchester.

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