Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has described Ander Herrera as “one of the smartest players” he’s ever coached.

The 27-year-old been a pivotal figure in the Portuguese tactician’s first season at Old Trafford which culminated by winning the Europa League.

It was during that final against Ajax the Spanish international produced a moment which greatly impressed his manager who made the detailed account while giving a recent lecture at the University of Lisbon.

“Mourinho talked a lot about Herrera, saying he is one of the smartest players he has had during his career,” wrote Petter Skogsletten, one of the students present, on Reddit.

“Herrera took hold of [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan and sent him in front of the keeper, while Herrera would take the pitch outside the box. Mourinho said he was so frustrated that he said ‘What the hell is going on?’

“It turned out Herrera had taken responsibility in... Read more at