Manchester United: Jose Mourinho's Standout Player Set to Reject Barcelona Move

Ander Herrera will turn down a move to Barcelona and a reunion with his former coach Ernesto Valverde to remain at Manchester United, according to reports.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who starred in Jose Mourinho's team this season, earned a reputation at Athletic Bilbao under the management of Valverde, who was appointed Barca boss on Monday.

According to The Times, Valverde is keen on signing the Spanish midfielder in his first transfer window in the job to increase his options in the center of the pitch.

Together, Herrera and Valverde helped put Bilbao back into the Champions League in 2014, having spent 16 years outside Europe's top club competition.

But the report says Herrera will reject an attempt from his former boss as Manchester United heads back into the Champions League next season having won the Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League.

Herrera has just one year left on his contract at Old Trafford but is likely to extend his deal this summer after proving to be a key member of Mourinho's team during the past season. This was reflected in his winning of the club's player of the year award earlier in May.

He was instrumental in the Europa League final win against Ajax, after which he gained the man of the match award, and his most memorable performance of the season came when he nullified Eden Hazard in United's 2-0 win over Chelsea in April.

Valverde will be looking to boost his Barcelona side in order to make his mark, and improve on the Spanish giant's relatively poor showing last season, when it couldn't beat arch rival Real Madrid to the La Liga title.