Man United veteran forgoes £150,000 weekly after cashing in at Trafford and PSG to aid Zaragoza

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, 37, has confirmed he is playing for free at his boyhood club Real Zaragoza, donating his entire £5,500 weekly wage to the club’s foundation. The Spanish international, who earned two caps for Spain, previously earned £150,000 a week at Paris Saint‑Germain.

From Old Trafford to Zaragoza

Herrera spent five seasons at Manchester United, winning four major trophies, before moving on to Paris Saint‑Germain. He later finished his career in Argentina with Boca Juniors, before choosing the Spanish third division to help Zaragoza return to professional football.

In a candid interview on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Herrera explained his motivation: “Now in a difficult moment for the club, I think we all, we the fans, have the responsibility to help the team and the club.” He added that he feels proud of his career and wants to give back, saying, “I wanted to play for free. I wanted to help for free.”

Ferdinand’s praise and medal banter

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand praised the gesture, contrasting it with Manchester City’s legal troubles. “In a world where Man City have these charges hanging over their head, it’s so good to hear about a gesture like this still in the game of football,” he said.

The pair joked about Premier League winners’ medals, with Ferdinand quipping he was waiting for his own, and Herrera replying, “I don’t know if we deserve the trophy, but for sure they don’t deserve to win it.” Herrera could be entitled to a medal from United’s 2017‑18 runner‑up season.

Herrera also expressed sympathy for Manchester City players, stating, “If I was a Man City player I would be angry with my owners, I would be angry with my board, because they have put all that I have done during these years in doubt.”

Will Gove wrote the story for MailOnline on 17 October 2026, noting that Herrera’s decision comes after cashing in on a £53 million deal at Old Trafford and Paris Saint‑Germain. The former United star hopes his contribution will aid Zaragoza’s climb back to professional status.