Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has admitted he would happily allow arch-rivals City lift the Premier League title if it guaranteed Champions League success for them in return.
Jose Mourinho’s side face Sevilla in the second leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday with a probable chance of qualifying to the next stage, having forced a goalless shut-out in Spain last month.
The Portuguese boss, who has lifted the highly-coveted trophy on two occasions with Porto and Inter Milan, will have now made European success his priority this season with Pep Guardiola’s City looking like the inevitable Premier League champions.
Ander Herrera said he would see Manchester City win the league if it meant success in Europe
Herrera – who is fighting back to be fit for the return after sustaining an injury in the first leg – is also eyeing Champions League glory and insists he is not concerned by what City can achieve.
‘I don’t think about City, just about us,’ he said. ‘To win the Champions League would be enormous for us. Massive.
‘So if you said City win the title and we win the Champions League this time I would sign that document right now.
Alexis Sanchez and Co trained ahead of Tuesday’s second leg last-16 tie against Sevilla
Jose Mourinho’s side have a strong chance of advancing, having drawn 0-0 in Spain
‘People forget that it’s still possible for us to win two big titles this season – the Champions League and FA Cup. We are still in the race for both. It could be an adventure to do it.’
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The Spain international tasted FA Cup success with United back in 2016 but has never won Europe’s grandest competition and admits it is at the top of his wish list.
‘The Champions League is a big, big title and to win it would be special,’ said Herrera, who put in a man-of-the-match display to help United win the Europa League last year against Ajax.
‘But we are only concerned at the minute about getting past Sevilla because it is not easy.
‘They are a tough team and we still have to work hard to go through. But we know there is a lot more to fight for this season.’
Herrera’s admission doesn’t mean that United are throwing in the towel in the Premier League.
But there is a growing sense of pragmatism at Old Trafford with City 16 points clear at the top of the table.
‘I don’t like the word “impossible”. For me it’s a word I really don’t believe exists in football because anything can happen.
The United midfielder is facing a battle to be fit, having picked up an injury in the first leg
‘Yes, City is in a very good place and only a miracle will give us a chance – but you don’t stop.
‘The dream of Manchester United is to be the top team and win the title but to do it we are going to have to make up a lot of points.
‘You don’t give up but second position is there and confirms you will be in the Champions League. So you have to keep going.
‘We want to finish as high as possible but you can’t forget there are maybe five clubs going for second place.
‘We are reaching an important time in the season, the key moment, and the team needs total concentration on the pitch to achieve our goals.’
Herrera said winning the Champions League this season would be ‘massive’ for the club