Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has hailed Erik ten Hag for transforming the mood at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag was appointed back in the summer following the club's worst-ever season in the Premier League era. And despite a challenging start to his tenure, the Dutchman has managed to get United challenging for major honours this term.
United are just five points off leaders Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League and are also in the Carabao Cup final, where they will meet Newcastle on Sunday. The Red Devils face Barcelona on Thursday night with a spot in the last-16 of the Europa League up for grabs and also have an FA Cup fifth round tie against West Ham next week.
Challenging for honours on four fronts is some turnaround from their shambolic campaign last year, which unravelled under the stewardship of interim boss Ralf Rangnick. And Van Persie, who was back at Old Trafford this week, stressed that an aura of positivity is now back at the club because of Ten Hag.
When he was asked by club media if he could sense something special brewing, Van Persie replied: "I can feel that. Just by simple things. For example, this morning, when I arrived at the airport, a fan came towards me and asked the question if I'm going to the game.
"I said yeah, I'm going to the game, I'm here for the game and he said okay, me too. I said where did you travel from and he said I travelled especially to watch the match tomorrow and on Sunday for the cup final, from Bangkok. So he travelled and I said wow, it's a big commitment and he said yes, I'm a big fan.
"He said this Manchester United makes him really happy with the way they play, the energy, the intensity. I said it's nice to hear but that is like a sign - people are really happy to see Manchester United play.
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"The whole energy around the club is so much more positive than it used to be in the last few years. So that is like, Erik earns credit for that, but the players as well. Everyone earns credit.
"It's nice to see the whole energy around the club is so much more positive and the guys are working very hard for that."
After Manchester United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the first leg of last week's Europa League play-off, the tie is finely poised ahead of Thursday night's match at Old Trafford - and Van Persie is excited to take in the game first hand.
He added: "It's all to play for now. From the fans' point of view, it's a joy to watch. Both teams want to attack, both want to play dominant football, both are very fit. I'm really looking forward to it."
