If Jose Mourinho thinks a point away at Anfield is a good result for Manchester United, which many would sternly debate considering Man City have already beaten Chelsea on the road and Liverpool at home, then the Portuguese has one man to thank - the same player who shut down the Northwest derby on Merseyside last season, Ander Herrera.

Indeed, Red Monday was a complete failure of a promotion campaign from Sky Sports last year simply because Manchester United approached it so defensively, killing any chance of a multi-goal thriller by putting ten men behind the ball and scrapping it out in every department.

But even so, Herrera stood out head and shoulders above the rest for his aggression, energy and commitment - not least because this time last year, prior to the 2016/17 scoreless draw at Anfield, few viewed the Spaniard as that kind of midfielder.

That was the night Herrera switched from playmaker to enforcer, playing a pivotal role in United's successful shutout, and he had a similar impact in Saturday's early kickoff, completing a staggering nine tackles alongside two interceptions, one block and two fouls to continually disrupt the rhythm of Liverpool's attacking play.

The 28-year-old, who Transfermarkt value at £27million, was one of United's more influential players on the ball as well, having the most touches of any Red Devil and completing the second-most passes after midfield partner Nemanja Matic.

But there's a common theme developing here - two of the three scoreless draws between Liverpool and Manchester United in Premier League history have had a dogged and determined Herrera at their beating heart. Of course, Mourinho's pragmatism has been a route cause as well, but it's been Herrera carrying out his manager's mindset on the pitch.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/PL25(12-13).mp4