Ex-Man United star in tears after injury forces him off just 5 mins into return

A former Manchester United midfielder could not hold back the tears after suffering another setback just five minutes into his return from injury.

The 35-year-old, who spent five years on the books at Old Trafford, was brought on as a second-half substitute for current side Boca Juniors away at Newell's Old Boys, with the visitors trailing 2-0.

Ander Herrera has missed six of Boca's 11 league games through injury since arriving in January and was making his return after being sidelined for their battering of Defensa on 16 March.

Five minutes into his return, and the second half, the Spaniard pulled up holding his groin, and immediately signalled that he could no longer continue.

Rather than go to ground and wait for a replacement, Herrera wasted no time in hobbling straight off the pitch and sitting down on the bench, leaving Boca with just 10 men on the pitch for several minutes.

After Exequiel Zeballos eventually came onto the pitch in place of the midfielder, the cameras panned to an emotional Herrera who could be seen crying as he was consoled by team-mates.

The injury was a recurrence of the same problem that kept Herrera out for six consecutive games during his first month in Argentina.

It was another big blow for the former United man, who has been plagued by injuries since joining Boca from his boyhood club Athletic Bilbao.

While this is believed to be a recurrence of the previous two muscular problems Herrera has had since arriving through the door, Boca Juniors boss Fernando Gago seemed unsure how long he will be on the sidelines.

'I have no idea what the extent of his injury is,' said Gago. 'We'll run the necessary tests and find out what kind of injury he has.'

It has now been six years since Herrera last donned the red of United, leaving the club in 2019 after five seasons in Manchester.

He joined United as former manager Louis van Gaal's first permanent signing in 2014 and instantly became a beloved figure amongst the United terraces through his dogged and passionate performances in the anchor of United's midfield.

The Spaniard featured a total 189 times for the Red Devils in all competitions and helped Van Gaal to a parting gift of the FA Cup, before winning the League Cup and Europa League under Jose Mourinho.

Herrera then traded the north west of England for Paris, spending three years at PSG before returning to Bilbao - where he played before moving to United - in 2022.

Despite extending his contract at Athletic Club at the end of last season, Herrera chose to see out the remainder of his career in Argentina with Boca, although his short spell at the club has been far from fruitful.