Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has revealed why he is such a harsh critic when it comes to his individual performances.

The 27-year-old has formed an integral part of Jose Mourinho’s side this season, which was indicative in United’s 2-0 victory against table-toppers Chelsea on Sunday when Herrera bagged the man-of-the-match award for his exploits, including a goal and an assist.

The former Athletic Bilbao suggested that he would trade individual plaudits for the greater success of the team.

‘I am happy with my development and I am happy with my performances, but people remember the end of the season and now we are in the crucial moment,’ he told Manchester United’s website.

‘Nobody will remember this part of the season if I don’t perform well at the end. I am happy but I am not finished yet,’ he added.

The Spanish international admitted that he demands a lot of himself, in addition to highlighting the importance of the coming weeks in their pursuit of more silverware after clinching the League Cup.

‘I like to demand a lot of myself because I feel I can give more, and more, and more to the team.

‘I am happy and I think it is the right attitude. So far has been okay for me, but I still have to show I can give more.

‘The team will need me if I am on the pitch. I am a team player, I want to give everything for the manager and I don’t look back. I just look forward. The next month and a half is the most important time of my career.

‘That is the way I think and that is the way I see football. Also, when everyone is telling you you’re having a great season, you’re having a very good game, you’re playing very well, I don’t think it is,’ he concluded.

United will look to advance to the semi-finals of the Europa league when they host Anderlecht in their second-leg encounter after playing to  1-1 draw in the first leg.

The encounter at Old Trafford on Thursday night is set for 21:05.

Photo: Simon Bellis/Sportimage via PA Images