Ander Herrera has revealed the frustration of playing under Jose Mourinho saying: “Everyone is allowed to go and attack now – even me!”
In a swipe at former boss Mourinho, Spanish midfield star Herrera has admitted anything is possible for Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – and they can beat anyone.
And in a clear dig at Mourinho, who was sacked last month, Herrera has confessed United’s stars are revelling in being free – and having fun again.
After a stunning display of counter-attacking football to destroy Arsenal 3-1 and reach the FA Cup fifth round, Herrera said: “We are playing with no limits, yes – it’s exactly what Ollie brought to the team since the first day.
“We enjoy scoring goals and we enjoy defending together. You can see that when we are playing free with a smile and everyone is playing for each other then the results will come easier.
“We are doing great. It’s always beautiful to win. That’s why we play.
“Ollie has said we want to be a team that controls the game but sometimes that’s impossible.
“Sometimes we have to defend, but when we defend we know anything can happen because we have so many quick, attacking, offensive players.
“I can make runs to be in the box, Paul (Pogba) can make runs to drive the ball forward, Ashley (Young), Luke Shaw is allowed to win the ball in the box and make a run even to the opponents’ box.
“Now I am allowed to go into the box soon after I defend. Even Nemanja Matic is allowed to shoot.
“Attacking players can feel free. As long as everyone defends when we lose the ball. And I think that is what we have now.
“Everyone is allowed to go and attack. So when we are playing everything is possible because even in the tough moments when we are defending, we have the feeling that we can hurt the opponent because we are allowed to attack.
“Of course it’s wonderful to have that freedom. But it’s also a responsibility because you know if you are in your opponents’ box and you lose the ball, you have to come back.”