Yangel Herrera has been out on loan since signing for Manchester City from Atlético Venezuela in 2017.
Having agreed a deal with the Citizens, they immediately sent him out on loan to New York City, before he joined SD Huesca on another temporary deal for six months in 2019.
The midfielder has been on loan at Granada since the start of last season and has excelled under the orders of Diego Martínez.
Granada are in Manchester to face United in the Europa League quarter-final tie at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Mundo Deportivo interviewed the City owned player, and the Venezuela international details his experience of training under Pep Guardiola for a short period of time, and made it clear he’s looking forward to actually playing for the club.
“I learned a lot when I was training in Manchester with City. It was in December 2018. That time, surrounded by great footballers, helped me to gain experience,” the 23-year-old said.
“Being with Guardiola was [like] a master’s degree. It helped me to see that one day I could also have my place in an elite club. I looked good. I didn’t feel weird about being in that dressing room.”
Herrera’s contract at the Etihad lasts until 2024 and his dream is to either make it at Manchester City or at another top club. He made this claim when asked if he can see himself under Guardiola.
“I’m looking forward to it. I work to achieve something like that. I left Manchester with that apprenticeship: that I can play for City or for another elite club,” he explained.
Fernandinho’s contract at City expires at the end of the season.
When directly asked if he would like to take the Brazilian’s place in Guardiola’s squad, Herrera said: “I have been in Spain for two years playing at a good level but I am ready to face any challenge if an opportunity like that is given.”
Herrera has eight goals and two assists in 40 matches in all competitions this season for Granada. His immediate focus will be on the upcoming clash against City’s local rivals, United, who have a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.
