Ander Herrera Talks Jose Mourinho, Wayne Rooney, Manchester United and More

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has praised Jose Mourinho and said the club's boss "really understands what a footballer needs."

Mourinho has come under fire as United have stuttered through the early part of his Old Trafford reign, but Herrera said he was in favour of the Portuguese's methods.

Speaking to Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail, the Spaniard said: "He [Mourinho] says what he thinks and he says it to your face. He says it when it is something we will like but he also says it when it is something we won't like. He really understands what a footballer needs which is 20 minutes of team talk and then you get down to it."

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In a wide-ranging interview, the Spaniard also jumped to the defence of club team-mate Wayne Rooney as the pair prepare to face each other on the international stage as England take on Spain at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.

As per the report, Herrera said:

"

Last year he [Rooney] rescued us at times. How do you say, 'Got our chestnuts out the fire?' He did it in lots of games, and this year he will do the same.

This is someone who is just three goals away from overtaking Bobby Charlton as the club's maximum goalscorer. And yet when we play in the Europa League and the team win two penalties he gives the ball to Paul (Pogba) and Anthony (Martial) because they need the confidence. That is where you see what type of person he is.

"

Herrera explained his "chestnuts" expression about Rooney on social media:

Herrera himself has shown improved form at the heart of the United midfield in recent weeks, which resulted in his call-up to the national side.

He admitted that his style has been forced to change this season. Per the report, Herrera added: "I'm more defensive now, playing in front of the back four. I think I have that ability to win the ball back quickly when we lose it."

Certainly, in his bid to reshape the midfield and find the right balance, Mourinho has viewed Herrera as a vital cog in the engine room.

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Arguably Herrera's main role is to enable United to get the best out of fellow midfielder Paul Pogba, who has been inconsistent at best since his world-record £89 million move from Juventus.

The Spaniard's energy and tactical nous make him a key component in Mourinho's plans as he adds a rare defensive option amid a host of attack-minded players.

With Herrera in the side, Pogba in particular is freed up to make more of an impact in forward positions.

A harsh sending-off during United's 0-0 draw with Burnley in October was a setback, but once restored to the side, he arguably offers the team better balance and will likely prove an important figure for United throughout the season.