Former Red Devil Ander Herrera recently appeared on Manchester United’s latest UTD Podcast and his interview turned out to be just as informative as it was emotional.
Released on Tuesday, 20 December, the ex-United midfielder spoke to co-hosts Sam Homewood and Helen Evans about his time at the club and how much the badge still means to him, with the episode simply entitled: “I have United in my heart”.
Discussing everything from his experience under different coaches, the ‘sh*thousery’ that became synonymous with his playstyle; that video of the Manchester City badge Reds share every derby day and laying bare the details surrounding his “painful” United exit, it was one of the most honest talks yet.
Having rejoined Athletic Bilbao (the club he left for Old Trafford) on loan from PSG, the presenters visited him at their home stadium as he talked through his early playing days and the impact his dad had on his career. However, it didn’t take long for them to get on to Man United and the waterworks soon followed.
It’s clear that the love for the club still remains as beyond speaking passionately about his time there throughout the pod, Herrera breaks down in tears and even has to walk off the set after he is asked about how he ultimately felt he had to leave Manchester — an outcome that few fans wanted either.
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Having become a beloved and reliable senior figure at the club way before his five years in a Red shirt were up, the Spaniard went on to explain some of the details surrounding the contract dispute that he described as a “painful” experience that left him “down” and “unhappy” given what he felt he deserved.
Despite stating that he didn’t want to “talk bad” about anyone, he did “expect a little bit more” from the club having been a committed servant and player of the year the season before. Sadly, although the club were busy offering new contracts to other players, he was not afforded the same luxury.
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Thankfully, there rest of the interview revolved around much more enjoyable and humorous topics like his time under José Mourinho and what became almost a perfect marriage between two masters of an overarching trait that never fails to both delight and wind up fans every week: ‘sh*thousery’.
As was made plainly clear, Herrera enjoyed his time under Mourinho, dubbing him not only “one of the greatest managers of all time” but the one that saw him discover a new position, making him the “more defensive midfielder” that really helped bring out the so-called ‘dark arts’ side of his game.
Herrera confessed, “He was also a little bit sh*thouse [like me] as a coach so it was a good time” — a totally honest and admittedly accurate answer that got a chuckle from the studio. While he conceded the football was more counter-attacking during that time, he insisted simply enjoyed “fighting for [his] club”.
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The 33-year-old recognised that as well as becoming an important player under him, José was also the last manager to lift a trophy at United, winning the Community Shield, Europa League and League Cup, all in his first season, not to mention regaining qualification for the Champions League.
Ander went on to add that his time under the Portuguese coach also coincided with him winning Fans’ Player of the Season award and that moments like this made him “thankful” for their time together. Shortly after, he was then asked about one rather iconic moment under Mourinho…
Yes, sorry to disappoint you United fans, but the former number 21 assured that he did not spit on the City badge on purpose. Though he could only reinforce just how much he wanted to win – “to destroy them, same as Liverpool“, even – he said he always wants a badge to be respected the same as his.
Still, as Homewood mentioned in the intro, United fans can still hold on to the idea that he simply had to deny it on camera and Ander knew exactly what he was doing. After all, it does fit the ‘sh*thouse’ mould.
For anyone neutral or those of you that don’t remember, a video of Herrera spitting on the rival crest as he walked down the tunnel at half-time while United were trailing 2-0 went is now a go-to viral meme for Reds every Manchester derby. They went on to win the game 3-2, with Herrera grabbing an assist.
As they teased on Twitter, this is a must-listen for any Manchester United fan and for those who look back fondly on the Basque footballer’s days in the Premier League, in particular.
He will no doubt go down as one of United’s biggest cult favourites ever, certainly in the post-Sir Alex era and there will be many fans who still believe he should have never been let go.
Are there any other players you feel the club should have kept?
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You can listen to the full Ander Herrera Manchester United podcast episode HERE.
Manchester United youth player James Overy praised for wholesome moment with young fan
Danny Jones
Manchester United academy player James Overy is receiving heaps of praise online after a video of a heartwarming interaction between him and a young fan went viral on social media.
The Australian-born youngster joined the club and the Carrington set-up back in the summer of 2024, and has flown somewhat under the radar to plenty of supporters, quietly going about his business and continuing his progression.
However, it’s fair to say he’s had a good month or so, as not only did he provide a crucial assist in the under-18s FA Youth Cup semis against Crystal Palace roughly a fortnight ago – with two goals proving enough to book their spot in a Manchester derby final – but now he’s being hailed off the pitch, too.
Taking the time to not just say hello and chat with the young girl after the game, but go so far in engaging with her as to gift her a pair of his boots, it wasn’t just a lovely gesture, but one that will probably stay with the wide-eyed child forever.
Love this stuff…..2 mins of his time to give that little girl a memory for a lifetime ❤️
Not the point, obviously, but there’s something very charming about him repeatedly asking, “Is that alright?” and double-checking if she’s happy with the colour.
He might not be a born and bred Manc but there’s still something very British about it.
The Aussie, only 18 years old himself, has quickly been applauded for what looked to be some very mature and admirable behaviour: spending time with Reds long after the full-time whistle and showing his own appreciation for their support.
Reactions are as you would expect: “What a lad!”, “What it’s [all] about, inspiring the younger generation. Top man”; “What a legend, hope he’s got a good career ahead of him”, and so on.
Others also noted his ‘humility’ at such a young age, with one person going on to add that “a lot of professional players could learn a lot from that young man.”
Here he is talking about his senior debut against West Ham United when he was just a boy.
Prior to a memorable night of his own in the important win at Old Trafford, Overy received his first national team call-up back in November, but is also eligible for Scotland, having already represented both at various youth levels.
He’s also worn the captain’s armband for the U18s and is one of several prospects that United fans who follow all the age groups are keeping an eye on.
Others in that same squad include the Fletcher twins (sons of former player turned coach, Darren), Chido Obi, and the increasingly promising JJ Gabriel, who is still just 15 himself.
If they all follow the example set by James on how to conduct themselves as professionals, as he did with young Imogen, they won’t go far wrong.
Highlights from Man United’s semi-final victory over Palace in the 2025/26 FA Youth Cup
Manchester Storm announce return to AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades
Danny Jones
In a huge bit of regional sporting news, Manchester Storm have announced they will be coming home to the AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades away from the iconic venue.
Massive news for Manc ice hockey followers and local sports fans in general.
Revealing the long-awaited return after 24 long years away from the place where Manchester’s native hockey team first began its story, the team, AO figures, and even some fans were part of a special announcement event inside the 20,000-seater stadium this week.
Confirming the news on Monday, 27 April, MCR Storm will be back playing at the AO Arena later this year – just in time for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) April 27, 2026
As detailed in a full press release from the Greater Manchester club, they are seemingly marking a milestone moment in their next chapter by going back to their roots.
It goes on to read: “Founded back in 1995 as a tenant of the then newly-opened Manchester Arena, the original Manchester Storm quickly became one of British ice hockey’s most iconic teams.
“In their inaugural season, the Storm secured the First Division championship before becoming founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.”
Coming somewhat full circle more than a generation later (Storm having made it to the play-off finals of the modern Elite Ice Hockey League era this April for the first time in their history), they have made one-off returns to the storied space in recent times.
However, many supporters have been waiting for a fully fledged return for some time now; equally, others are understandably sad to pay a bittersweet goodbye to the ‘Storm Shelter’ over in Altrincham, with the building having already pulled licensing for next year.
They have been at the Planet Ice rink for over a decade now, and the company itself have even issued a lengthy response following the departure – namely noting the issue of communication, clarity and fair notice. Nevertheless, for the vast majority, this felt like a long-overdue comeback.
With an ex-player turned head coach and all-round club legend, Cam Critchlow, having also signed on for another campaign behind the bench, it’s been a busy week in and around the organisation.
Representing the Manchester Storm ownership group, former coach Ryan Finnerty and partner Emma said in a joint statement: “This is a major milestone for our partnership group and a vision we’ve worked towards for some time.
Returning Manchester Storm to the AO Arena is a proud moment for everyone involved. It’s about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience.
“Together with our leadership team and Canadian partners, our ambition is clear — not just to compete, but to lead in the Elite Ice Hockey League and beyond. This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home.
“Today marks a hugely exciting and significant moment for both the Manchester Storm and the Elite League”. The EIHL themselves have also celebrated the news, adding that they feel it reflects “the scale and ambition of the league”.
Are you happy to see them setting up shop at the AO Arena once again? Better still, do you remember going there to watch games the first time around? Let us know down in the comments.
Danny Jones -
20th December 2022 
