Manchester United: Ander Herrera will 'come back stronger' next season after debut campaign

Ander Herrera has thanked Manchester United's fans for their support during his debut campaign in the Premier League and promised to come back even "stronger" next season.

The Spanish midfielder became the first addition of manager Louis van Gaal during the summer of 2014 after the club agreed to meet the €36m (£26m, $39m) release clause imposed by Athletic Bilbao, after the player was targeted by ex-United boss David Moyes in the previous campaign.

And even though the former Bilbao star struggled to convince Van Gaal he deserved a regular place in his line-up during the first part of the season, he has eventually justified his price in 2015 to become a favourite of the supporters.

Herrera received the club's player of the month award in February and April, while during the 1-1 draw against Arsenal, he scored his eighth goal of the campaign to record his best-ever goals return for a season.

"I came to a massive club and everyone has made me feel like I am at home, so I am very grateful to everyone. I can only say our supporters are fantastic, they have made me feel unbelievable. When we did not play so good, they were supporting us so I am thankful for that," Herrera said to MUTV.

"It has been a tough season, a lot of change at the club and a lot of change in the squad, but I am happy with my development. Of course I have to keep improving and keep going, but eight goals for a midfielder is a good stat. I am an ambitious player so I want to keep improving. There are 25 players in the squad and I have to fight a lot if I want to play."

And the midfielder hopes to finish the season with a victory against Hull City on Sunday 24 May before going back to his homeland to prepare for the next campaign.

"I think I will stay at home in Spain because I miss my town, my people and my family. I want to be stronger next season so I think if I am with my friends and my family then they will make me feel stronger," he said.

Having reached the Premier League top four this season, Herrera is confident the team will be ready to fight for silverware next term.

He said: "Finishing in the top four was the first aim we had, but we are Man United and we have to fight for everything. I think we are looking forward to next season, I think we are going to play much better than this season and I am excited for it to begin."