By support

19th Dec, 2016 | 8:25am

Gary Neville names five Man United stars crucial to transformation

By Will Butcher

Gary Neville has identified five players that have played an integral part in Manchester United’s change of fortunes.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday programme, former United captain Neville believes his old side are beginning to replicate the kind of form that is expected of Jose Mourinho’s side.

Neville, 41, named Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Michael Carrick, Paul Pogba and top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the players who have inspired the turn around.

“Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones are tougher at the back,” Neville declared. “Michael Carrick coming into midfield has made a big difference, and they’ve got personalities and characters with Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“What I’m seeing at the moment is more Manchester United-like. They’ve got personality, strength and character, they’re tougher.”

All five took part as United secured their third consecutive Premier League win with an efficient 2-0 win away at Tony Pulis’ in-form West Brom side.

A brace from central figure Ibrahimovic saw Mourinho’s side snatch all three points at the Hawthorns, stretching their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games.

The change in fortunes has seen Mourinho’s side prevent their title contenders from stealing a march in the table, despite a stuttering spell that suggested United could fall by the wayside.

Now only four points away from a Champions League slot in the Premier League, United will be looking to maintain their sparkling form over Christmas with a win against Sunderland on Boxing Day.

Three points would see United move to within touching distance of fourth place, if both Tottenham and Arsenal drop points.

In other Manchester United news, Everton have been dealt a major blow in the pursuit of this United star.