Ander Herrera reveals what Jose Mourinho told him on his first day at Man Utd

Ander Herrera has hailed the influence of Jose Mourinho on his Manchester United career, revealing the coach assured him that he would be “an important player” for the Red Devils.

Herrera scored his first goal in the Premier League this season at the weekend in United’s 2-0 victory over league leaders Chelsea.

The Spaniard has been a consistent figure in Mourinho’s starting XI this campaign at Old Trafford, playing in 25 league contests of which 19 have been the full 90 minutes.

And the 27-year-old has revealed that Mourinho had promised him such a role in the squad during their first ever conversation after the Portuguese coach took charge at Old Trafford.

Herrera also indicated that such a consistent campaign has led to him feeling much more confident at the club this year, although admitted he is aware that the club’s ability to attract the world’s biggest names means he can’t afford to rest on his laurels.

Herrera told the club’s official website: “I am very thankful to him. This season has been the most regular one for me at the club and that is with Mourinho on the bench.

“I am very happy. He gave me, from the first day, a lot of confidence and he told me I was going to be an important player for him. I will always be thankful but football changes.
“We have great players and Manchester United has the capacity to sign big players, so I cannot sleep. I have to keep working, performing and giving what the manager wants me to give.”