Ander Herrera flattered by Manchester United captaincy vote – says it won't happen soon

Ander Herrera is flattered to receive the backing of some Manchester United fans to become the next Red Devils captain but doesn't expect to take the armband anytime soon.

Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Chris Smalling have been the three regular captains of Jose Mourinho since the former Chelsea boos took over Louis van Gaal in the summer.

However, the former Everton forward has been tipped to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season while Carrick's long-term future remains uncertain, as the 35-year-old midfielder is yet to sign a new deal despite being out of contract in the summer.

This way a recent poll made by FootballFanCast revealed that 93% of their readers want Herrera to take the armband ahead of 2017-2018 season.

The Spain international has become into a key player for Mourinho during the current campaign, proving his talent, but also his leadership, in crucial games like the recent 2-0 victory over Chelsea when he was named the Man of the Match.

"I did not expect it at all," Herrera replied when asked about the results of that poll during an interview with Onda Cero. "The thing is that Michael Carrick ends his contract and I do not know what will happen with his future. Rooney... it's unknown if he will continue or not. So they did that poll and I just received the results today."

"It has been a surprise. I am very grateful that people value me like this but I don't thinks is something that is going to happen soon. Being captain of Manchester United are big words [big statement]. Look at the captains that this club have had. I am flattered and grateful but it is necessary to respect the time [that other players have been here] and the number of games [in which other players have featured]. Furthermore, as at [Real] Madrid and Barcelona the captains are Spanish, it's also logical that there is an English captain [at Manchester United]. I am grateful that people see me like that but I'd rather not think about it much."

Meanwhile, the United star admitted that he is enjoying his football more than ever, despite having had to adapt to a new role as a holding midfielder.

"Yes, [this is the best moment of my career] but I hope there are still better ones in the future. It's my best moment in terms of consistency, of feeling important, having the confidence of the manager and also the support of the fans.

"The new position [as a holding midfielder] requires a lot of responsibility because you cannot afford to make mistakes. But I have assumed that and I am trying to watch and learn from other players like [Barcelona star Sergio] Busquets. There is only one Busquets. He is and the busy. I am Ander Herrera and my work is a little different. Busquets barely loses a ball. Now instead of looking at either Iniesta or Xavi as I did in the past I look at Busquets."