Patrick Rees
Manchester United started off their new season with a bang as they defeated Edie Howe’s men by a comfortable scoreline of three goals one. The side gave a prolific performance against the Cherries both offensively and defensively and now it seems like the players are settling themselves for that “Mourinho-Kind of Football”.
This time around, the former Athletic Bilbao man was deployed in a much deeper role, while Marouane Fellaini, who surprisingly gave a fantastic display as well, was given the licence to launch himself forward at times. Well, the match day was Herrera’s 27th birthday and the Spaniard did receive his birthday card, but that, unfortunately, was to tell him that not to foul any player again (yellow card).
The 27-year-old struggled during the initial stage of the game, but as the momentum picked up, he started to gain the impulse. He had many good moments in the game. His long ball to Antonio Valencia, which resulted in a shot from Wayne Rooney towards the goal, and his defence-splitting pass to Anthony Martial shows how well he has adapted to the new role.
United were creating chances, but that fine edge was missing, and just before the half-time; Herrera provided the same. Well, his long ball was obviously meant for the striker, who failed to anticipate the move, but his countryman, Juan Mata, was right on the spot to capitalise a cagey mix-up from the Bournemouth defence.
The versatile Spanish midfielder averaged 87% of passing accuracy in the game and completed more than 75 passes throughout the game. The Spanish played the full ninety minutes for the Portuguese and playing him on the spot was nothing more than a gamble, but the 27-year-old his part with ease. Howe’s men were making his life miserable at times due to the intense pressing game, but he coped with the pressure calmly and confirmed the spectators that he could really be the one, who could fill the void of Michael Carrick.
Herrera has been struggling to find a concrete place at the Theatre of Dreams since his arrival, but now with Jose Mourinho at the helm, many experiments regarding the Spaniard’s spot could take place. United do have Morgan Schneiderlin for the same spot, but given the fact that United are in Europa League, both the players will get enough opportunities to impress the new manager. Besides that, it is fair to say that he has got those pacy legs that both Schneiderlin and Carrick do not; therefore, we might see Mourinho engaging Ander more often than the others. If this role change works out, we can say it as one of the tactical master class from the former Chelsea boss.
