Something beautiful is happening in Manchester.
We're not talking about Louis Van Gaal's tactical turn-around which has resulted in the resurrection of the United of old, nor are we talking about Daley Blind's hair (although it is simply stunning), but instead about the coming together of two kindred spirits, two friends, two footballers, in a way that has not been seen since the days of Yorke & Cole.
When Manchester United signed Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2014, having failed to convince the Basque club to part with him a year before, many raised concerns over his price tag, his slight build, and the fact that he wasn't a defender when the club so clearly needed to sign one. While the young Spaniard struggled to cement a place in the United starting line-up through to February of this year, he is now arguably the first name on the team sheet after a series of fantastic performances in the middle of the pitch for a fluid, attacking, and successful Manchester United team.
Herrera's signing also reignited a friendship that had formed at the 2013 UEFA European U21 championships, where Spain caught the attention of the football World with a dominant display en route to a championship win, with Herrera and Juan Mata a vital part of the team's success.
It was clear from early interviews that the two were fond of each other, but what has transpired since then has been a joy to watch. The beauty of a true bromance is something that can capture the hearts and minds of those who are fortunate to witness it, and Manchester United fans are swooning over this dynamic Spanish duo that are currently loving life.
Here are some examples of the joy that this adorable tandem are bringing to their fans on a regular basis:
The Arrival
Ander Herrera had been a United player for three days when he gave the World a glimpse as to what was to come.
Birthday Buds
"It's his day." The sheer affection with which that was said is touching.
Juan's Ice Bucket Challenge
You might think "Oh, he asked De Gea, not Ander to help him out?", but you're not seeing the bigger picture. Juan nominates Ander with his first nomination, which shows that he is always thinking about his amigo. De Gea does not receive a nomination, instead he has been asked to assist with the soaking, so as to keep it a surprise for Ander. It's heart-breaking for Dave, we're sure.
They Always Sit Beside Each Other
Remember on school trips in Primary School how you always wanted to sit beside your best friend on the bus? Juan and Ander (or Juander, if you will) still do this.
The Fellaini-Januzaj friendship is nice to see, but it still has a long way to go.
Even In A Group The Bond Is Strong
Again, poor David, having to watch something so special from across the season. That was him and Juan from January to June of last year. Not any more.
Affectionate Shoving
Affectionate shoving is the first sign of a true bromance.
This Hug
LOOK AT IT. It brings a tear to the eye.
THEY WORE THE SAME CLOTHES TO TRAINING
Adorable.
Hanging At Each Other's Houses
Just enjoying the rare sunshine in Manchester. Don't know who that third bloke is, but a lot of United fans wish they were him.
Making Fun YouTube Videos Together
If you haven't seen the crossbar challenge video that we took the affectionate shoving and the hug from then go and watch it now over on the F2 Freestylers YouTube channel.
Their On-Field Chemistry
Public Declarations Of Love
After Manchester United beat Aston Villa, Juan wrote this in his blog:
I think this is the first time he scores twice in a game and I’m very happy for him! The truth is he deserves it. He is a genius on and off the pitch and I know how happy he was after the game.
The love is real, it's so very real and it's absolutely beautiful.
Turk and JD of Scrubs are seen as the benchmark for bromances, and Juan and Ander are working their way to that level, but this clip perfectly sums up the relationship that so many Manchester United fans are embracing at their club:
