5 key factors that have contributed to Manchester United's recent run of form

Manchester United endured a slow start to Van Gaal's reign as they managed to win just three of their opening 11 matches in all competition. During which, United lost four times including a defeat against their derby rivals Manchester City.Surrendering a two goal lead to lose 5-3 at Leicester City and 4-0 humiliation at the hands of League One side MK Dons in the Capital One cup being the lowest points of that period. Lately though United have started to put on a good run of results which saw them finish the year on third position.So let us look at the five factors which has helped the teams recent good run:

#1 Michael Carrick\'s role

Michael Carrick’s return to starting line up as been crucial for the Reds

It is no co-incidence that the return of Michael Carrick from injury has helped the teams cause lately. United are yet to lose a match when Carrick has started this campaign. Carrick has started the last nine games, of which Reds have won seven and drawn two.

After missing the first few months of the season with an injury, Carrick had to wait till November to make his first United appearance under Van Gaal. When he came on as a substitute against Manchester City, United were sitting eight in the table after winning just three of their first nine games.

He was unable to change the teams fortune, as Smalling did the necessary damage in the first half by collecting a red card with two silly yellow cards. Carrick started for the first time under Van Gaal to help his team get a less then impressive 1-0 victory at home against Crystal Palace.

Carrick again played a crucial role in winning the ball back and initiating attacks from behind in a 2-1 victory at Emirates. It was United's first away win under Van Gaal.

Then, United enjoyed two home victories against mid-table teams (Hull City and Stoke). Especially, in the match against Hull City, Carrick completed more passes then any player in the league that weekend with 108. He was followed by Cesc Fabregas with 98 and Nemanja Matic with 95.

Also his pass accuracy in the match was an impressive 92.31%. It was not just about retaining the possession but, he was also purposeful with his passing. Carrick made 36 forward passes and completed 23 successful final third passes.

Carrick's versatility played a huge hand in the victory against Southampton. As United struggled to initiate attacks from the back, Carrick was moved to the centre of the three man defence from midfield. He did his job duly, as United started to gain better foothold in the match during the second half to come away on the right side of a 2-1 score line.

Carrick has always been an unsung hero for the club since his move to Old Trafford from Spurs in 2006. With performances of this calibre, fans will hope the England International stays with the club for a long time.

#2 Van Persie\'s return to form

Many called for Robin Van Persie's head after the Dutchman started the year slowly. It was not only his lack of goals but, his work rate in matches was questioned by many.

Van Persie managed just 13 touches against Arsenal at Emirates, which prompted Van Gaal to substitute him in the second half. When many expected Van Persie to be axed in their next game, Van Gaal gave the Dutchman another chance, which the striker made full use of.

After collecting a pass from Herrera, Van Persie unleashed a ferocious left footed strike from just outside the box to end his three match goal drought.

A week later, Van Persie produced his best performance of his season against Southampton. On another wise disappointing day, Van Persie was the teams only shining light.

His work rate was second to none as he closed down opponents really well and retained the ball impressively in the attacking third. His impressive form was capped off with two well taken goals on the night.

It prompted the Dutch captain to announce his arrival. Van Persie after the match said: “I think everything starts with how you feel physically because, when you’re feeling fit and healthy then you can do more. And over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling very well physically.”

His good form continued as he scored one each against Liverpool and Newcastle United. The Dutch man's late rise may just be what United need currently.

#3 Louis Van Gaal\'s tactical flexibility

Van Gaal’s tactical intelligence as helped United finish the season on a high

United are traditionally known to play with just one formation under Sir Alex Ferguson, which is the usual 4-4-2 system. Occasionally in big European nights, Fergie would switch to five man midfield.

David Moyes followed virtually the same recipe in his unsuccessful 10 month managerial spell with the Reds. Van Gaal though started with a rather peculiar formation from the word go.In order to accommodate the vast attacking outlet which he had at his disposal and to make up for the lack of proper full backs, Van Gaal started with an unusual 3-5-2 formation.

As United failed to win a single game when playing three at the back in August, Van Gaal switched to a 4-2-2-2 (Diamond) formation. United won three and lost just the one against Leicester City with the formation.

However, as United were looking too fragile in the back, Van Gaal switched to his favourite formation of 4-2-3-1. Even though the teams shape looked better defensively, Reds struggled to score much. It was evident in their games against Chelsea and Manchester City.

Hence, Van Gaal switched to a 4-1-4-1 formation in their victory against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. He followed the same in his next home games. But, Van Gaal did not stop there, as he went back to his old recipe of playing the three at the back for away matches.

Recently though, the three at the back as produced good results as the Red Devils won two and drawn two of their last four away games. Credit has to be given to Van Gaal for transferring United in to a versatile outfit.

#4 Fellaini\'s resurgence

Fellaini scores his first Old Trafford goal against Stoke City

After last season’s debacle under David Moyes, Maroune Fellaini was an easy target for critics and cynics to point the finger for the team’s poor performances. The big Belgian did little to erase the thoughts as he failed to score a single goal throughout the campaign.

He was on the verge of joining Napoli in the summer, however his late injury prevented the move from materialising. When Fellaini returned back from his injury, he did not have a place in the team’s starting lineup and had to come from the bench to make an impact and he did just that to get everyone on his side.

When United were trailing Westbromwich Albion, Van Gaal replaced Herrera with Fellaini as a half time substitute. Within minutes after coming on, the Belgian scored a wonder goal, which happened to be his first for the club.

His good performance earned him a place against league leaders Chelsea, where he repaid his managers faith by putting in a man of the match performance. Fellaini covered 12.17 km on the pitch, which was the most by any player. It was not just the distance he covered, but also the great job he did on marking Cesc Fabregas.

Fellaini closed down the Spanish maestro so quickly that the Catalan born player managed to complete only three passes in the first 20 minutes and a mere 11 in the entire first half.

He then carried on the solid performances against Manchester City, Crystal Palace and played a key part in helping United's revival against Arsenal. Fellaini’s pass helped Angel Di Maria run free at Arsenal’s defence from which Rooney scored the decisive second goal of the game. He continued his good work and scored a header against Stoke City to get his first Old Trafford goal.

Fellaini's recent illness prevent him from featuring for the club during the busy festive period. His absence was keenly felt as United won just one of the last three matches he missed.

The Belgian is offering something different to the midfield with his physical presence as most of the other midfielders are soft with their challenges. Fans will definitely be hoping for the midfielder to return from his illness soon.

#5 Luck Factor

United cannot take full credit for the recent good form, as luck played a major part in helping the Reds win those tight games to help them put on a run of six consecutive victories.

Notable in the game at Emirates, the Gunners could have been miles ahead in the opening exchanges if they had taken their chances properly.

Some may say it was David Degea's brilliance which helped the match remain scoreless. But, if the Gunners had been more clinical in front of the goal, there is not much the Spanish goalkeeper could have done.

Also in the other hand, United were presented with a huge gift from Keiran Gibbs own goal to give an unlikely lead in a crucial time. Further the attackers also took their only chance which was presented to them.

Rooney's finishing for the second goal was world class. However, it was the only chance which the Reds captain had on that night and that too came only in the 84th minute. When Arsenal players were missing chances after chances, United took their only chance which came their way up until then.

This was evident even in the match against Southampton as United scored two goals from just the three shots they had in the whole game. Whereas, Southampton managed to score only one from the 15 openings they created.

United again need the help of their opponents poor finishing as well as Degea's brilliance to keep fierce rivals Liverpool at bay in the 3-0 victory.

Although credit should be given to the Reds for their never say die attitude. The old saying is, 'Luck will favour the brave'. United have certainly earned their luck by never giving up on the match.