Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed which three players have turned the club's season around after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Despite winning their opening three Premier League matches, manager Jose Mourinho's side have gone on to win just five more games in their next 14 fixtures, and currently sit outside the top four approaching the new year, as well as trailing current league leaders Chelsea by 13 points.
But in recent weeks, the Red Devils have picked up some form, unbeaten in their last seven domestic fixtures, winning three out of their last four, including an important 1-0 win over fellow Champions League qualification hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
And according to club legend Ferdinand in theMirror, the trio of Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick have been the difference during their run of good form, and created a 'better balance' in the midfield.
He said:"I don't think Jose knew his best team for a while but in the last few games you've seen him consistently starting the three midfielders of Herrera, Carrick and Pogba and I think you've seen a better balance in the midfield, so hopefully we can start motoring on now.
Rio Ferdinand: "I don't think Jose knew his best team, but he's consistently starting Herrera, Carrick and Pogba." pic.twitter.com/k42wxwEKEr
"That's been a problem in the past in terms of working out where the balance is and who the best partnerships and combinations are, and I think he may have found that in those three.
"It frees up Paul, who's a bit more of a maverick, and means he can roam a bit more."
Mourinho's men will be hopeful of continuing their good form when they welcome relegation strugglers Sunderland and former United boss David Moyes to Old Trafford.