According to a report by Madrid Universal on Thursday October 29, 2026, former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera believes Jose Mourinho has the personality and determination to turn Real Madrid's fortunes around as the Spanish giants look to re-establish themselves among Europe's leading clubs.

Herrera, who played under Mourinho at Manchester United, has offered insight into the Portuguese manager's demanding approach, explaining why he believes the coach has the qualities needed to overcome the challenges facing Madrid.

Speaking on the El Camino de Mario podcast, as reported by SPORT, Herrera described Mourinho as a manager who builds character and expects his players to accept criticism while respecting their responsibilities within the squad.

“For me, Mou is a manager who builds character. He comes from a style of football where players weren’t easily offended,” Herrera said.

“Criticism was accepted, understood, and the pecking order was respected.”

The Spaniard also recalled an incident from Mourinho's time at Manchester United after a Europa League match against Saint-Etienne, when the manager publicly criticised his performance.

“I remember a match after the Saint-Etienne game in the Europa League when he came up to me in front of everyone and told me it had been a disaster and so on… and well, the next day we had a hug,” he added.

Herrera's comments highlight his belief that Mourinho's tough approach does not necessarily damage relationships with his players, but can instead help establish discipline and high standards.

The Real Madrid manager faces a significant challenge as the club attempts to regain consistency following two difficult seasons. The departures of midfield stalwarts Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have also marked the end of an important era at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Herrera remains convinced that Mourinho has the character required to guide Madrid through the difficult period, particularly as they compete against a strong Barcelona side managed by Hansi Flick.

The former Manchester United midfielder also pointed to Mourinho's first spell at Real Madrid, when the Portuguese coach helped the club challenge Barcelona during one of the most competitive periods in Spanish football.

Real Madrid's recent 2-1 victory over Barcelona, inspired by Kylian Mbappe's brace, has provided encouragement for Mourinho's side. However, Herrera's comments underline that maintaining consistency and rebuilding the team's foundations will be crucial if Madrid are to challenge their rivals throughout the season.