Manchester United's start to the season has been far better than any of the fans were expecting. While big signings were made to improve the squad, and all the players are more familiar with Jose Mourinho's tactics and style having scooped some silverware last season, if you had told most that the team would have scored 10 goals, conceded none, and were the only side with a 100% record after three games, they may not have believed you.
Mourinho now has a system that is dominating games, but more crucially finding a way to break down defensive opponents, but what is surprising is that the formula the Portuguese has found does not include one of the best players at the club last season.
Manchester United fans love Ander Herrera, but the team's success has come with him sitting on the bench as Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba playing behind Henrikh Mkhitaryan is working wonders so far. For some players, fans would worry that they may become upset and unsettled at not playing, but that is not a problem in this case.
Speaking after the Leicester win, Mourinho singled the Spaniard out for his performance, despite not being introduced from the bench into the game.
I think we played very well. The result was open at 0-0. The blue wall was very well organised and I always give credit for that. They defended very well. After the goal, I have to say we were very good. If I have to choose a word to describe my team, I would have to say solid. All the players are motivated. They are on the bench waiting for a chance.
I’m happy for them – all of them working hard, trying to be in the line-up. They are on the bench, they get one minute on the pitch and ready to give everything. I saw Ander Herrera on the bench, screaming, speaking, helping players and he wasn’t on the pitch. This is the group we have and the team we have.
It sums up why Man Utd fans love him so much, he really does care.
He's showcased his passion for the club on countless times before, but to be pushed out of the team and to rally behind your teammates in the manner he has done shows that he really is a team player. He's even pushing out good vibes on social media.
Happy week to everyone ?? pic.twitter.com/tTJ0cbA7UD
— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) August 28, 2017
Fans of other clubs hate him, but that only endears him to the Old Trafford faithful even more.
It will be interesting to see if Ander Herrera can work his way back into the team in the near future, as he was one of the few outfield players who had a consistently strong campaign last season.
But for the moment, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Nobody seems to understand that more than the former Athletic Bilbao man.
