Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has refuted suggestions that he has fallen out with Ander Herrera following his 'surprising' comments in the wake of last weekend's defeat to Huddersfield Town.
The Spain international confessed that the Red Devils failed to match the aggression and passion of their opponents in a shock 2-1 loss at the John Smith's Stadium.
Mourinho was clearly left unhappy by the post-match words from his midfielder, with whom he is said to have had a fractious relationship in the early stages of the 2017-18 campaign.
Speaking to reporters a week on from the setback in West Yorkshire, however, the Portuguese claims that he was "surprised" in a good way as Herrera did not hide the truth when opening up.
"I was surprised but I was happy about his words because it is not easy for the players to recognise and admit [why they lost]," he said. "I was happy because it shows dignity, character and intelligence to know the reason why we lost the match.
"So contrary to some imaginary sources that tell you everything we do here, I can promise you that since that match I didn't speak one single second about the match, because [there's] no need."
Herrera is in contention to start at Old Trafford when Man United face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday lunchtime.
Daniel Lewis
