Gary Neville has praised Tyrell Malacia for being the catalyst behind ’s uptick in form in recent weeks.
The Red Devils made it four wins on the bounce with a 3-1 win against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
It’s helped United to fifth in the league table and just three points off leaders Arsenal.
That position was unthinkable in mid-August when United lost their first two matches of the season, the second of which was a 4-0 humbling against Brentford.
United’s response since has been sensational and Erik ten Hag used the defeat at Brentford to make wholesale changes to his side.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Fred all lost their spots for the following game against Liverpool, with Raphael Varane, Antony Elanga, Scott McTominay and Malacia coming into the side.
Malacia, in particular, has been a vital part of the club’s turnaround and his tenacity at left-back has carried through the rest of the team.
And Neville says the Dutchman’s ferocity has spread throughout the rest of the team.
Asked what has led the turnaround, Neville told Sky Sports: ‘Some people will say it’s the manager. Some people will say it’s the changes that have been made with regards to and Harry Maguire being left out.
‘Do you know something? I will point to a little thing that I saw in the second half of the Brentford game and that’s Tyrell Malacia. Someone on the pitch with a bit of personality, fight and spirit.
‘And to be fair to Lisandro Martinez who wasn’t on the pitch in that second half against Brentford because he was substituted. But against Liverpool there was some tenacity and from that, what you’re seeing is Diogo Dalot is a lot more aggressive.
‘The midfield players are a bit more aggressive. It takes just one to show leadership, it doesn’t have to be the shouter or the captain.’
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