Manchester United star Ander Herrera expects another 'special' FA Cup tie against Derby

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is looking forward to another "special" FA Cup away day against Derby County. The 26-year-old Spaniard relished his first experience of the competition's unique atmosphere last season and has revealed he cannot wait to play in front of another passionate home crowd at Pride Park on Friday (January 29).

Herrera found the net in two of United's away games in the FA Cup last season, against Yeovil Town and Preston North End. The Red Devils eventually exited the competition in a 1-0 loss at Old Trafford to Arsenal, but Herrera is eagerly looking forward to his next appearance in English football's oldest cup competition.

"FA Cup away games are always special, I don't know why but they are. It's a competition our fans love and we love it also," he told MUTV.

"We play Derby, who are near the top of the Championship, and that means they will be very tough at home. I have watched some Championship games and they are very tough games. They are a good, strong team and it's a big day for them playing Man United."

The United star admitted his excellent form in last season's competition has served to further his excitement ahead of the fourth round. "I have very good memories of last season and the away games we played in the Cup," he shared. "Our fans were fantastic in the away games and I could score in two games, so I'm looking forward to this next game."

Having already been eliminated from the League Cup and Champions League, the FA Cup is now one of United's best hopes of winning some silverware this season. They will, however, first have to overcome Paul Clement's high-flying Derby side.