Mourinho's tactical nous was also key to getting the best out of Herrera. The Portuguese manager is renowned for his ability to organize his teams defensively, and he was able to do this at Manchester United. Herrera was part of a well-drilled defensive unit that was able to keep clean sheets on a regular basis.

Mourinho's man-management skills were also crucial to Herrera's success. The Portuguese manager is known for his ability to motivate and inspire his players, and he used this to great effect with Herrera. Mourinho recognized that Herrera was a talented player who had been undervalued in the past, and he made it his mission to ensure that the player received the recognition he deserved.

Mourinho was not afraid to praise Herrera publicly, and he also gave him plenty of individual attention on the training ground. This helped to boost Herrera's confidence, and he began to play with a newfound swagger and self-belief.

Another factor that contributed to Herrera's success under Mourinho was the way in which the manager set up his team to play. Mourinho was able to create a system that played to Herrera's strengths, allowing him to showcase his energy and work rate in a way that he had not been able to do before.

Overall, Mourinho's impact on Ander Herrera's career cannot be understated. The Portuguese manager saw something in the player that others had not, and he was able to turn him into a key player for Manchester United. Herrera's performances in the 2016-17 season were arguably the best of his career, and he will always be grateful to Mourinho for giving him the opportunity to prove himself.

In conclusion, Jose Mourinho was able to get the best out of Ander Herrera by converting him into a defensive midfielder and giving him the opportunity to prove himself in a new position. Mourinho's man-management skills and tactical nous were also crucial to Herrera's success.