Erik ten Hag might already know his most important Manchester United player

There is a simple way to dissect Manchester United's opening month of the new Premier League season. There have been four matches, two good and two bad, as Erik ten Hag gets to grips with life at Old Trafford.

After a summer of seismic change, there was always going to be an over-reaction when United began the campaign just as badly as they finished the last, with their away defeat at Brentford arguably the worst result since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

But since then, there has been a resurgence. United faced Liverpool at just the right time and were able to secure a morale-boosting win against their injury-stricken rivals to lift the mood.

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That lift in confidence helped United get over the line at Southampton on Saturday, which, although it wasn't a vintage win, displayed a grit and determination that has been missing for a long time. It was United's first win on the road since beating Leeds back in February, and their first away clean sheet since beating Norwich last December.

There have been many factors at hand to initiate the turnaround in fortunes, but there can be no underestimating the impact that defender Raphael Varane has had on their form.

The 29-year-old was an unused substitute for the opening day defeat to Brighton and was brought on at half-time against Brentford when his side were already four goals down.

After that shambolic showing, he was brought back into the starting line-up where he replaced club captain Harry Maguire and has rewarded the faith shown in him with two stellar showings.

Varane's experience and composure were crucial against Liverpool last week, with his reading of the game key in nullifying one of the most dangerous attacks