Jose Mourinho wanted to see Ander Herrera handed a new deal at Manchester United due to his leadership ability.

The London Evening Standard says Mourinho wanted Herrera to commit to a United contract despite his status as a squad player.

But Herrera's performances in the middle of the park were not the reason why.

Instead, Mourinho believed the 29-year-old to merely be a fringe star.

Yet he also thought Herrera was worth keeping because he was a positive influence on the dressing room.