Manchester United Trigger Clause That Will Extend Midfielder's Contract Amidst Exit Rumours

Ander Herrera will remain at Old Trafford next season after Manchester United activated a clause in his contract that extends his current deal by one year, according to a report from The Sun.

The 28-year-old has been attracting a lot of attention in recent weeks from Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, with both clubs interested in bringing the midfielder back to Spain when his contract in Manchester expires at the end of the season.

However, despite seeing less game time this season since the arrival of Nemanja Matic, Herrera is still deemed a vital player in Jose Mourinho's side and he will now have to wait until the end of the 2018/19 season before he can leave Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are also expected to activate similar clauses in the contracts of Luke Shaw, Juan Mata, Ashley Young and Daley Blind - all of whom, on their current deals, can leave for free next summer.

Herrera made a £32.4m move to Manchester United in 2014, leaving hometown side Athletic Bilbao for a shot in the Premier League, and has gone on to make 138 appearances for the club.

The Spaniard divides opinion in the terraces at Old Trafford. His technical ability and eye for a pass is something that can't be questioned, unsurprising given his three-year development with Bilbao. 

However, Herrera is known to have a nasty streak in him and although a crunching tackle against your bitter rivals will get the fans on your side, stupid acts of aggression in smaller matches will leave you out of favour with the United faithful.