Ander Herrera has opened talks with Manchester United regarding a new contract, according to the Sun on Sunday.

What's the word?

The midfielder has seen his game time limited under manager Jose Mourinho in the early stages of the season.

The Spaniard has played just 77 minutes of Premier League action across two appearances, one of which was a start.

In the 2016-17 campaign, Herrera started 27 top-flight games and came off the bench in a further four.

He produced six assists and scored one goal in the process, but with the arrival of Nemanja Matic, the midfielder has dropped down the pecking order.

Mourinho now prefers a partnership of Matic and Paul Pogba, but according to the Sun on Sunday, Herrera has opened talks over a new deal as he wants to fight for his place.

Is this the right call?

From the player's point of view, it is not ideal to drop down the rankings, but his reported determination to win back his spot can only be a positive thing.

Mourinho will be impressed by Herrera's desire to play, and the Portuguese coach has shown in the past that he will reward players who perform in training.

At the age of 28, the midfielder is by no means close to the end of his career, but it is important for him to play regularly.

Herrera, who is in the final year of his contract, will get his chances at Old Trafford, particularly as the club are competing in four competitions, including the Champions League.

Mourinho will use the squad in order to keep his team fresh each week, so there is no need to rule out the Spaniard just yet.

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