Ander Herrera credits Mourinho's 'faith' for Spain selection

10/10/2016

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has thanked Jose Mourinho for placing faith in him and allowing him the freedom he requires as a player to perform. The Spaniard received his first call-up for the Spain national team, something he could not achieve under Louis van Gaal for 2 years.

Herrera was on the bench during Spain's 1-1 draw against Italy, and he has credited his manager Jose Mourinho for being included in the national team for the first time.

“Mourinho gives you more freedom as a player; he wants the player’s instinct to come through. It’s true that you then have to have that defensive order but he tells us to let that if that instinct guides us on the pitch then we should try things.

“It’s been difficult back [in the Spain squad] because this is the fifth season since the Olympics,” Herrera told El Correo.

Herrera joined the Manchester-based club from Athletic Bilbao in 2014, but he failed to grab a regular place in the starting lineup under then manager Louis van Gaal. Under Mourinho, Herrera has already made eight appearances in all competitions. The Portuguese manager has been using him in a more defensive role this season.

‘I’m overjoyed because I have fought hard for it. I know that in the two years under Van Gaal I was not in the United team enough to be called up.

‘Now with Mourinho, I’m feeling good. He is putting faith in me and giving me that chance to play regularly in a top side.

‘Now I have to show that I deserve to stay in the United XI and deserve to keep getting the call to join the Spain squad,’ Herrera added.