Manchester United must aim for second-placed league finish, says Ander Herrera

Ander Herrera says a top-four finish was always Manchester United's aim this season - but insists his team-mates now want to seal second spot.

Herrera, who joined Manchester United for £29m last June, believes a summer of changes meant Louis van Gaal's first season in charge was never going to be easy.

But, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of the Saturday Night Football clash with West Brom, the Spaniard is determined to finish on a high.

"We have had very good moments and others not so good," Herrera said.

"But I think everyone knew in the beginning of the season it was not going to be an easy season because at the club we have had a lot of changes – new players, new staff - so the first objective we had was to be in the top four. 

"We want to finish second but now we have to be prudent. 

"We have West Brom, Crystal Palace; of course we wish to be second but it’s not going to be easy.

"The most important thing is that now we are in the top four but we have to avoid the fourth place because we will have to play Champions League qualification."

Herrera has made 22 appearances in his first season at the club but revealed he is targeting a long-term stay after coming to "understand" the Old Trafford set-up. 

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"I’m very happy and proud to be here," he said.

"Now I understand it at this club I am enjoying a lot and I hope to have a lot of time here at Man United.

"I’m a young player – I’m 25 – so I have to improve. I’m learning from all our midfielders like Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, so I think I have to improve a lot still but I’m happy with my development."

Herrera started for United in last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Everton and is keen to make amends against a Tony Pulis side he expects to play on the break.

"We are Manchester United - (teams) respect us and they are waiting for our mistakes - so we have to keep the ball more; don’t make mistakes in attack and don’t let them play counter-attack," Herrera added.

"Against West Brom away we drew in the last minute and Daley Blind scored a beautiful goal but I told you before, they are going to wait for us, wait for our mistakes.

"They have very good strikers that can make very good counter-attacks but we have a very good chance to react after the last game against Everton."

Watch the full interview with Ander Herrera above.

Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion is live on Saturday Night Football, with build-up from 4.45pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.