Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera not surprised by Van Gaal sacking

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera admits he was not surprised to see Louis van Gaal sacked, but he has expressed his gratitude to the Dutchman for signing him. 

Ander Herrera joined the Red devils ahead of Van Gaal's first season and has since made over 70 appearances for the club, though he will now have to impress new coach Jose Mourinho after Van Gaal was sacked. 

The Spaniard says the players were fully aware of the speculation surrounding Van Gaal in his final months at the club, as they finished fifth following a difficult campaign, but Herrera has praised the way his former manager conducted himself. 

"It wasn't a comfortable time, but we are professionals, and so we didn't allow it to distract us," Herrera told Marca. 

"I must say that the coach remained strong throughout. He never showed signs of surrender and, in the end, we won the FA Cup. 

"Van Gaal is an honest guy and has always put Manchester United above all else." "Nothing surprises you in football today. 

"United have to fight for every title and, when they lose that fight, this is one of the outcomes. 

"In many ways I think he has done a good job. 

"I'm grateful to him because he signed me and so gave me the opportunity to play more than 70 games, in two years, at arguably the world's largest club."