Herrera speaks out over United move amid rumours of new bid

Ander Herrera has given a press conference in Bilbao regarding Manchester United's failed attempt to sign him, amid rumours that the club will return to secure his signature in January.

The player told journalists at Athletic Blibao: "I think United probably need to answer a few questions. The only option, as the president said, was to pay my clause. I was never told United would pay the clause. At no time have either I or my agent reached an agreement with United."

"I don't feel manipulated.How can I feel manipulated by a club like MUFC? I appreciate their interest and what Bilbao value me at."

"I've been silent because the important thing was the game at Real Madrid. Today I'm here, with no problem, with the truth. I will continue to demonstrate my commitment to the club as I have since the first day I arrived. I speak for me. I do not speak of other cases. The club can confirm that my behaviour has been fantastic."

"I'm very flattered to see that one of the biggest clubs in the world, such as United, bid for me. I did not talk at any time with United. I've been very quiet."

Of course, how true all this is is debatable. United will certainly at least have been in contact with Herrera's people, with reports that personal terms had been agreed. The Guardian's Daniel Taylor even suggested that a squad number had been assigned.

The good news is that Herrera doesn't appear to have any problem with us over what happened. We can only hope the rumours of returning in January are legitimate. They may well be - reports of the deadline-day fiasco have suggested that United were indeed desperate to add big-name signings to back David Moyes, so it would be a surprise were we to have a quiet January (this summer, although we only signed player, could certainly not have been described as 'quiet.')