[ad_pod ]
Manchester United continued their incredible run under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday with a dramatic win at Wembley, but the boss has an old Jose Mourinho favourite to thank for it.
After five convincing wins since the arrival of Solskjaer, Manchester United had a point to prove when they travelled to face Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday – the Red Devils’ resurgence is real.
Despite being on the back foot for the entire second half, Solskjaer’s side held on for dear life with some help from David De Gea, as Marcus Rashford’s first half goal was enough for all three points.
Which big 6 club needs to do the most business in January? Check out what the Pl>ymaker FC squad think in the video below…
While much of the focus since the arrival of the new boss has been in attacking areas, his trust in Mourinho favourite Ander Herrera was key on Sunday, as the tough-tackling Spaniard performed the exact role he used to for Mourinho against big sides… but with a twist.
It’s fair to say Manchester United fans were fed up of Mourinho’s big game tactics by the end of his tenure, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t effective.
Herrera’s tireless work rate and constant harassing of the opposition’s best players makes it very difficult to get the game flowing, something Mourinho’s United thrived on in such games.
Solskjaer has effectively given the Spaniard the same role, but with the added freedom to venture forward when the chance presents itself, knowing full well the experienced Nemanja Matic will slot in to cover the back four.
The 29 year-old was very productive going forward on Sunday, completing three dribbles, creating two chances and completing 89 per cent of his overall passes, including four out of five attempted long balls.
His driving runs forward and clever one-twos moved the Tottenham defence around constantly, opening up space for the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard to exploit.
That doesn’t mean he neglected his defensive responsibilities though, winning one aerial duel and making two tackles, three interceptions and three clearances.
By simply allowing Herrera to become a true box-to-box midfielder, Solsjkaer has made Matic’s job a lot less complicated, given more support to Pogba, all the while developing Herrera into a more well-rounded player.
If the twice-capped Spanish international can keep this form up, the Red Devils would be foolish not to extend his contract, which expires in the summer.
So, Manchester United fans, how impressed were you by Herrera on Sunday? Has Ole made him a more complete player? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…