Manchester United greats Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane have both identified a mentality shift under Erik ten Hag so far this season as the newly-appointed Dutchman continues to settle into life in the Old Trafford dugout.
Despite some encouraging signs on the summer tour, United were humbled in their opening two Premier League matches - against Brighton and Brentford - before clocking up an important win over Liverpool. Since then, United have beaten Southampton and Leicester City with gutsy performances.
As impressive as they were against Liverpool last month, follow-up victories when they were expected to win are indicative of an improved mindset under their new manager. So much so, even former United captains who set the highest imaginable standards have been suitably impressed.
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Ferdinand was on BT Sport duty for the Leicester match. He said: "Erik ten Hag would have been thinking coming here, let's get a clean sheet, let's be potent up front and they never really, until the last five minutes, looked in any danger. I think that is the most pleasing thing from a Manchester United point of view.
"They looked in control and that's the first time in a long time we have seen United look unfazed, up for the fight and look in control for most of the moments and for large parts of the game and I think that's the real shift from the first two games of the season."
Speaking about United following their statement win over arch rivals Liverpool, Keane had said: "It was a good vibe, good energy before the game. What I liked was they played great as a team. Defensively and midfield outstanding, going forward they looked dangerous and they could've scored a few more goals.
"They deserve the victory and it was a big boost for the players. Before the game the manager made some big calls, some changes, kept [Harry] Maguire and [Cristiano] Ronaldo out, but they responded, they were excellent.
"Quality, great commitment, desire. That's what you want from any player, especially at Manchester United."
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