Erik ten Hag lauded Raphael Varane's leadership qualities again following Manchester United's 2-0 Europa League win at FC Sheriff.
United have won all five games Varane has started this season and conceded only two goals in the 495 minutes he has been on the pitch.
Varane replaced captain Harry Maguire for the 2-1 win over Liverpool last month that signalled a turning point in United's season and Ten Hag has kept the same back four in all but one of the five fixtures since.
Also read: United player ratings vs Sheriff
"The reason (for another clean sheet) is we were good in possession and we defended very well," Ten Hag told MUTV. "With Rapha Varane there as the leader, he puts everyone in the right position, he fits really good together with Licha Martinez and also the two full-backs did their job really good.
"Difficult start, opponent really played direct, opportune, go for second ball, we lost too many balls at the start of the game but after a certain period I think we found a better formation, especially over on the left side.
"And you see we can play between the lines and we adapted our game and we scored a great goal and from that moment on we dictated the game total."
Jadon Sancho scored his third goal of the season, having claimed his third of last season in February and Ten Hag is impressed by the winger's form under his management.
"I'm really pleased for him," Ten Hag added. "Another goal and he scored many goals in pre-season, this is his third goal this season but also he was involved at Southampton, he had an important role in making the 1-0 for (Bruno) Fernandes.
"He's doing well but I think there is much more room for improvement for him because he has so much skills. So bring it on the pitch and when he has the belief I think he can be even more productive."
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