'First season, three trophies, our manager is a winner!' - Man Utd star Herrera praises Mourinho impact

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has opened up about his relationship with manager Jose Mourinho and has called the Portuguese "a winner". 

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Mourinho was heavily criticised at points during his first season in charge at Old Trafford, though the overall campaign was ultimately dubbed a success due to European glory.

United beat Ajax in the Europa League final to secure a place in next season's Champions League, adding to the League Cup and Community Shield they had already picked up. 

And rather than focus on their sixth-place finish in the Premier League, Herrera instead pointed towards the club's success in cup competitions.

"We are already thinking about the European Super Cup," Herrera told Sky Sports. "Football is about trophies, no? About achieving objectives.

"Now we are going to play Champions League. Three trophies: League Cup, Community Shield and Europa League.

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"In the beginning of the season we were talking about that. The manager said he was coming to Manchester United to win trophies and he has done it.

"First season, three trophies. Our manager is a winner."

Herrera made 50 appearances under Mourinho across last season and was named Manchester United Player of the Year for his efforts. 

The 27-year-old's personal success did not come as a surprise, however, and he believes that Mourinho's guidance has helped him become the player he is today.

"I knew at the beginning of the season that I could be an important player for the team," Herrera added. "I had a meeting with him and he told me I was going to be important to him if I got some points and I did it.

"I know it is difficult to play in a big club like Manchester United as a No.10 because you know how many goals you have to score to play there. So I thought I had to add something to my game. I had to give more options to the manager. We both agreed.

"He told me that I was going to play sometimes a different role in the team. He told me sometimes I was going to play more defensive and in other games he was going to need me more forward. I told him I'd play wherever he wanted me to play and I would give my best.

"We feel the football in the same way."