Manchester United are looking the strongest they have done since Sir Alex Ferguson's reign, under Jose Mourinho.

The Red Devils invested well during the summer, spending over £160 million, with the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic.

That doesn't even include the re-signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was initially let go after suffering a long-term knee injury in the Europa League back in April.

Things finally seem to be getting back to normal at Old Trafford, with United currently trailing league leaders Manchester City by two points after eight games.

However, a hugely promising start to the campaign would not have been possible without the likes of David de Gea, Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata - to name a few.

Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Pogba may, typically, be the focal point of United, but their strength and depth is what is expected to take them far this campaign.

While current Premier League champions Chelsea are struggling with injuries and a small squad compared to their title rivals, the same can't be said for Mourinho's side.

United star falls victim to squad strength

However, while it is a positive for Mourinho and the club, one man has fallen victim to their excess of quality.

Marouane Fellaini was expected to be pushed out the door when Mourinho arrived at Old Trafford but has since proven himself to be a very useful asset in the absence of Pogba.

But, one man, who had been expected to play a significant role under the Portuguese, during his second season at the helm, was Ander Herrera.

The Spaniard has proven to be a highly valuable asset to United in the past couple of seasons and would have been expected to play a significant role this campaign. 

However, after starting just two of his six league appearances so far this season, reports have already surfaced that he could be offered a January escape route from Old Trafford.

Herrera targetted as Iniesta replacement

According to The Sun, Barcelona are eyeing the 28-year-old as a long-term replacement for legendary midfielder Andres Iniesta and will make a move for the United man in January.

Ernesto Valverde's side currently lead La Liga by four points. But, despite being in fine fettle, the Barcelona boss is keen to add more depth to his squad.

Herrera would suit Barcelona's style, while it is understood that Mourinho would consider cashing in on the former Athletic Bilbao midfielder.

Such a move would coincide with the Catalan giants' fourth attempt to try and lure Liverpool into selling star man Philippe Coutinho, after seeing a £118 million bid rejected in the summer.