Erik ten Hag has debunked Manchester United midfield theory with Christian Eriksen decision

After being battered 4-0 by Brentford a little over three weeks ago, very few people would have expected Manchester United to enter the start of their Europa League campaign with the target of registering a fifth straight win.

Sunday's 3-1 victory over Premier League table-toppers Arsenal secured a fourth successive triumph for the first time in more than 12 months for United, suggesting that their fortunes are starting to change. Erik ten Hag, game-by-game and week-by-week, is starting to develop a firmer understanding of his squad and it is evident that he is now starting to have the impact United's supporters had dreamt about.

After back-to-back away successes over Southampton and Leicester City, the visit of Arsenal, who arrived in M16 boasting a 100 per cent record this term, was always going to represent the Reds' sternest test yet. Despite the scoreline suggesting that United made light work of Mikel Arteta's side, the actual pattern of the game told a whole different story.

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The Gunners were the better side for large portions of the contest and had referee Paul Tierney not chalked off Gabriel Martinelli's early opener for a foul in the build-up, the game could have mapped out very differently. But United are no longer a wounded animal feeling sorry for itself; they are a team growing in confidence and belief, which is understandable after an upturn in fortunes.

One of the secrets behind United's recent revival has been Ten Hag's reluctance to tinker. He has made just one change to his starting line-up in the last four matches, bringing Antony straight into the fold at the expense of Anthony Elanga on Sunday. Casemiro, United's most-needed