Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has insisted that he is "very happy" playing in a deeper role.

The 27-year-old has started United's last two league games as a defensive midfielder alongside Paul Pogba, with his form earning him a maiden call-up to the Spain squad.

Herrera revealed that he had been learning about his new position from Michael Carrick and believes that he and Pogba complement each other well in the middle of the park.

"It is going well. I also have a great example in that position in Michael Carrick, because he has been one of the best players in the last decade, and I think I can learn a lot from him. But Paul is a very strong, very physical player who shoots with both feet. He can dribble, he can defend. He has it all," he told Goal.com.

"I can then stay back to steal the ball, to keep the position, and from there initiate attacks. I'm fine, and I'll try to provide everything that the manager asks of me. With [Jose] Mourinho I have also played in attacking positions in the EFL Cup and even scored a goal. I am a team player and I will do whatever he asks of me, but I'm very happy ahead of the defensive line.

"But now I think I have some consistency. I know I have to keep working to earn Mourinho's confidence even more, but it is true that I feel good in the new position and it's also true that maybe that little change of position was what has allowed me to receive a Spain call-up."

United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, five points adrift of leaders and local rivals Manchester City.