Ander Herrera has praised Jose Mourinho's influence on his career.

The Portuguese was acrimoniously sacked in December after United's terrible start to the season.

Herrera told El Periodico de Aragon: "Yes, it's been a difficult year, because we did not have the expected start.

"I do not like to make comparisons and I detest when the players speak ill of a coach who has already left. I only have words of thanks to Mourinho, he has made me better, I played a lot with him and I was named the best player of the season with him on the bench."