Manchester United's Ander Herrera has hinted that he will be moulded into a defensive-minded midfield player under Jose Mourinho.

Herrera has mainly operated as a forward-thinking playmaker during his time at Old Trafford, but noticeably took up a defensive position during his team's 3-1 win over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener last weekend.

The Spanish midfielder has revealed that he has held conversations with Mourinho about his new role and is confident that he "can be an important player for the team" this season.

"I had to do a different role in the team and I think I can be important there for the manager," Herrera told MUTV. "I have spoken with the manager and we are agreed with that, that I can be an important player for the team and that I can help the team in that position.

"I think I can win a lot of balls back for the team. My instinct is to try to win the ball back for the team as quickly as possible."

Man United will attempt to make it back-to-back Premier League wins at the start of the 2016-17 campaign when they welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Friday night.

Written by
Matt Law