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Fletcher: Herrera influence 'infectious'

Louis van Gaal is not the only new face to have captivated Manchester United's players this summer. Ander Herrera has had an "infectious" influence on his new team-mates, according to Darren Fletcher.

Herrera completed his "dream" move to United from Athletico Bilbao in June and, having already warmed himself to the Old Trafford fans by paying his own buyout clause, he appears to have had a similar effect on his new team-mates.

"His enthusiasm's infectious. It's rubbed off on a few of us already," Fletcher told ManUtd.com. "He has great enthusiasm and great energy in midfield. He always wants the ball and is always looking to make things happen.

"He's a really talented footballer. He works hard for the team. He wants to learn and listen, he takes on instructions well and off the pitch he's a good lad.

"He's settled in really well and not only with the other Spanish-speaking lads. I think he's going to be a key player for Manchester United."

Herrera shone on his United debut in the recent 7-0 thrashing of the Los Angeles Galaxy, a performance which earned glowing praise from countryman Juan Mata.

"He was very good today and I am very happy for him," Mata, who played the first half and assisted Danny Welbeck's opening goal, told reporters after the match. "We have a good connection inside the pitch and outside the pitch and he will give us a lot of good things this season."

However, despite claiming Herrera has the ability to become one of the top players at United, club legend and coach Nicky Butt said the midfielder was not at the same level as Paul Pogba or Toni Kroos.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old's adjustment to life at United has impressed the squad much like Van Gaal's arrival; the Dutchman earned the approval of his players, most notably Mata and Wilfried Zaha, for reviving the club's winning mentality as well as impressing the club's hierarchy with his no-nonsense approach.