Ander Herrera is one of the smartest players I have managed - Jose Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has described Ander Herrera as “one of the smartest players” he’s ever coached.

The 27-year-old been a pivotal figure in the Portuguese tactician’s first season at Old Trafford which culminated by winning the Europa League.

It was during that final against Ajax the Spanish international produced a moment which greatly impressed his manager who made the detailed account while giving a recent lecture at the University of Lisbon.

“Mourinho talked a lot about Herrera, saying he is one of the smartest players he has had during his career,” wrote Petter Skogsletten, one of the students present, on Reddit.

“Herrera took hold of [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan and sent him in front of the keeper, while Herrera would take the pitch outside the box. Mourinho said he was so frustrated that he said ‘What the hell is going on?’

“It turned out Herrera had taken responsibility in the situation – Mkhitaryan had a yellow card. If Ajax suddenly counterattacked and Mkhitaryan had fouled the player, he would have been sent off.

“Mourinho said he is incredibly pleased to have such players who can handle situations on their own and adjust.”

Herrera belatedly joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2014 for a reported £30.6m after a prospective move from Athletic Bilbao broke down 12 months prior.

After a slow start under former boss Louis van Gaal he established himself as one of United’s most important midfielder a reputation he’s carried into Mourinho’s debut campaign.

Renowned for his tenacity and strong passing ability, Herrera is firmly a fan favorite among United’s vast legion of supporters and was recently named as the fans’ player of the season.

Widely considered a future captain, Herrera to date has made 122 appearances for the record 20-time English champions, registering 15 goals and 22 assists in the process.

Culled from: Squawka

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I am not accomplished enough to replace Wayne Rooney - Ander Herrera

Manchester United player Ander Herrera has said that he doesn't think he has achieved enough yet to captain the club if Wayne Rooney leaves the club at the end of the season.

Rooney took the captain’s role in 2014 following the retirement of Nemanja Vidic.

Should the 31-years-old leave, attention will turn to the next player to take responsibility for the Red Devils.

Herrera’s passion and fight from midfield have led to the Spaniard being touted by some fans as the top contender for the captaincy.

But the 27-year-old says he is not yet in a position to be the captain of Manchester United, touting some names he feels are ahead of him to get the honor.

Herrera told ESPN: “I am very thankful when I hear that from the fans but, as we say in Spain, they are huge words.

“I prefer to keep calm and to keep my mind calm because I feel that I still have to do more for the club. I still have to win things for the club to deserve that. So I will keep calm.

“The captains of this club are legends. The current one is Wayne Rooney but also Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Nemanja Vidic.

“There are some experienced players on the team who have been here longer like David De Gea, Chris Smalling also Juan [Mata] came before me.

“I am thankful to the fans for thinking that about me but I do not want to think about it.”

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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.”

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