'Nice to enjoy a bit of quiet' - a chance to savour Man Utd's results?

Joe Bradshaw, BBC Sport

Over the past few weeks on this page, Manchester United fans have poured out their frustrations after abject midweek defeats.

There was the 3-0 hammering in the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United’s second string.

Then, the bitter fallout from a late defeat by Copenhagen, with the character shown by10 men undermined by the fact their Champions League hopes took a hammering in the process.

It is nice to enjoy a bit of quiet.

Much ink has been spilled over United’s inadequacies compared with last season. Number of shots per game? Down. Shot conversion rate? Down. Number of dribbles? Down. Expected goals. Down.

Just take a look at the goals columns. A mere 13 scored in the league and a goal difference of -3. Hardly what United fans are used to.

So if the numbers are not backing them up, is there any reason to hold out hope for Erik ten Hag’s side?

Well, the only number that really matters - points - has quietly been trending in the right direction.

United have crept to the top of the Premier League’s form table with four wins and one defeat in their past five games – and that to leaders Manchester City.

Of course, losing to City brings its own special level of hurt but after the winds of turmoil have swept through Old Trafford for what seems like months, they are actually only five points behind Tottenham in fourth.

Normally, the sign of a good team is picking up points despite not playing well.

United have done that – there is no doubt they have not played well – but keep racking up the wins and, slowly but surely, the team will move up the table.

Successive away games against Everton and Newcastle after the international break, before Chelsea visit Old Trafford, should give ample evidence whether this fine form – results-wise – can continue.