Ander Herrera says he's enjoying his new role in Man Utd's midfield

Ander Herrera says he is enjoying his new defensive midfield role at Manchester United and believes he works well in tandem with Paul Pogba.

Herrera has been called up to the senior Spain squad for the first time in his career after an impressive start to the season.

The former Athletic Bilbao midfielder has looked comfortable in a deep-lying position in his recent starts against Stoke and Leicester, and believes his role helps United get the best out of world-record signing Pogba.

Ander Herrera has featured for Spain U20s, U21s, and U23s

"It is going well," Herrera told Goal. "I also have a great example in that position in Michael Carrick, because he has been one of the best players in the last decade, and I think I can learn a lot from him.

"But Paul is a very strong, very physical player who shoots with both feet. He can dribble, he can defend. He has it all.

"I can then stay back to steal the ball, to keep the position, and from there initiate attacks. I'm fine, and I'll try to provide everything that the manager asks of me."

Herrera appeared in less than half of United's league matches during Louis van Gaal's final campaign but he appears to be back in favour under Jose Mourinho, who also used the 27-year-old in a more advanced role in the 3-1 victory over Northampton in the EFL Cup in September.

Highlights of Manchester United's 3-1 win away to Northampton in the third round of the EFL Cup. Highlights of Manchester United's 3-1 win away to Northampton in the third round of the EFL Cup.

"With Mourinho I have also played in attacking positions in the EFL Cup and even scored a goal," Herrera added.

"I am a team player and I will do whatever he asks of me, but I'm very happy ahead of the defensive line.

"But now I think I have some consistency. I know I have to keep working to earn Mourinho's confidence even more, but it is true that I feel good in the new position and it's also true that maybe that little change of position was what has allowed me to receive a Spain call-up."

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