Manchester United 2-1 Real Madrid: 5 Positives  for Red Devils from the game

#3 Herrera integral part of the United set up

Ander Herrera has been one of United's better players on tour

Ander Herrera has survived being shunned by the two managers he played under at Manchester United and still managed to make a positive comeback every time. It is part of the reason every United fans love him, but this time, Herrera showed another example of how he can adapt his game according to his manager’s requirement. Asked to play higher up and support Mata and Sanchez, Herrera was involved in both goals. It was his clever pass that allowed Darmian to run through the right and drag the ball back for Sanchez to score. And in the second goal, he had the wit and determination to run the entire pitch to join in the counter-attack and provide Sanchez with an option if he wanted. In the end, his clever positioning did not go unnoticed and the Chilean nodded the ball back, which Herrera slot into the net clinically. It was an ode to the player who has so many aspects to the game and provides his manager with so many options.

But the thing about Herrera is that he was not just joining up with the attack, but helping out with his back to the goal as well. Even though Mourinho set him up in a relatively advanced position, Herrera did not shy away from the dirty work. He was busy as ever, building up the numbers in the defence, closing down the ball and coming to the aid of Pereira and Fred as they soaked up that relentless onslaught from Real in the second half. Herrera might have more competition for the midfield slots this season, but you can rest assured that he will not be giving up without a fight. In fact, he should be in the first XI against Leicester City, not only because of absentees but also because he brings something unique to this United team.