Mata: Herrera showing his United best

Ander Herrera may not have set the world alight since joining Manchester United two years ago, but Juan Mata says the midfielder is now playing the best football of his Old Trafford career.

Herrera moved from La Liga side Athletic Bilbao after a year-long chase, but he struggled to establish himself under then United manager Louis van Gaal.

But since Jose Mourinho replaced the Dutchman in the summer, Herrera has become United’s first choice holding midfielder – keeping the likes of Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin out of the team.

And Mata, who is also enjoying a run of games under Mourinho on the wing, says his partnership with his Spanish colleague is growing all the time.

“I think he is playing great,” he said.

“He’s playing in a different position right now and he’s adapting very well and I always enjoy playing alongside him.

“We understand football in the same way and we have a very good understanding on the pitch, the way we move and try to play and pass the ball. I think he’s a very important player for us.”