Goalkeeper David de Gea believes Manchester United's players have discovered a new winning mentality under manager Erik ten Hag.
United, who will be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, have enjoyed a steady start to life under the Dutchman, finding themselves fifth in the Premier League table after their first nine matches this term. They are also on the cusp of qualifying for the next phase of the Europa League, having won three of their first four group games.
Ten Hag, who was poached from Ajax, was handed the task of trying to raise standards once again at Old Trafford, following a disastrous 2021/22 campaign. United finished last season with their lowest points tally of the Premier League era, resulting in them missing out on Champions League qualification.
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As well as that, United were guilty of living off past successes and happier times, with too many players frequently under-performing and not giving their all. However, Ten Hag has transformed the mindset of the squad and has had a positive impact in more ways than one.
Asked if he was happy with the way life under Ten Hag has started, De Gea, speaking to United's club website, said: "Of course, of course. I think we're playing better.
"We are winning some difficult games, keeping some good clean sheets as well. That's super important for us and I feel it.
"The players want it more, we are hungry and that's a good signal, so let's keep doing well and keep fighting together."
Ultimately, United's main ambitions this season are to secure a top-four finish and attempt to win a trophy, either domestically or in the form of the Europa League. De Gea, though, has refused to look too far ahead.
"I think it's just go game by game and try to win as much as we can and be prepared for each game," continued the United shot-stopper. "Not thinking about the future or anything else, just prepare yourself to be ready for the next one and then the next one, so this is the mentality. Train properly and recover properly and go game by game."
But although De Gea is taking matters one game at a time, he has his sights set on adding to the collection of seven trophies he has won during his United career so far.
He added: "The main job is to try to reach the trophies and fight for them. I won already some trophies here and it was amazing, the feeling, and for the fans as well.
"This is what we are trying to do. We're trying to improve and be a good team and a proper team and then fight for big things."
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