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Against most teams, and in most European ties, a first-leg away win would be enough to start talking about going through - not when it comes to playing Celta Vigo.
Ander Herrera followed his manager Jose Mourinho in saying that Manchester United’s chances of going through to the Europa League final are no more than 50-50 despite the 1-0 win at the Balaidos, because of how the Spanish side always score away from home. Celta have already come back from precisely this situation this season, too, having eliminated Shakhtar Donetsk thanks to a 2-0 win on the road despite a 1-0 first-leg loss at home.
As such, Herrera feels that Marcus Rashford’s brilliant free-kick may not be enough to guarantee progress for Thursday’s second leg at Old Trafford.
“To get to the final we have to play just as well in Old Trafford because they always score away,” Herrera said of Celta.
“The percentage chance [of us making the final] is the same as it was before, until the referee blows the whistle I won't be calm because Celta always score away.
“We are playing a lot and we are playing to get to a European final and for us that is fundamental.”
Herrera has also proven fundamental to the United team and one of Mourinho’s most important players.
Manchester United player ratings vs Celta Vigo
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“For me, Jose has a lot of importance, because he has played me regularly and has made me feel important to the team. But nobody will remember my season if we don't get back into the Champions League.”
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