Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick believes the team has started to fulfill its potential and is confident they are moving in the right direction.

Since their surprising 5-3 defeat to Leicester City on September 21st, United have lost only three times in 25 league matches leaving them in fourth place in the BPL with nine games to play.

Despite those results, Louis van Gaal’s team selection and playing style has come under scrutiny for the majority of the season.

In recent weeks, Ajax manager Frank de Boer and Bayern Munich legend Paul Breitner have come to the defense of the United boss, with both men urging fans to be patient with Van Gaal’s approach.

Only recently, after successive wins over Tottenham and Liverpool, has the criticism of Van Gaal and his philosophy started to diminish. However, many still believe the manager and his team have a lot to prove between now and the end of the season.

During an interview on talkSPORT earlier today, Michael Carrick admitted it has taken time for the squad to gain an understanding of Van Gaal’s philosophy. However, the veteran player said he always believed the team was going in the right direction and expects even better things moving forward.

“There has been a process this year,” Carrick told talkSPORT. “The manager has come in and he’s got a way of doing things and a way he wants to play.

“There was a slight change in the way he wanted us to play, in terms of the tactics and the style of play.

“We’ve probably started to fulfill our potential over the last week or so.

“The last two performances have been our best of the season probably, especially the Tottenham match and the first half against Liverpool. It’s brilliant for us and helps with confidence.

“There’s a good feeling again around the club. The club is going in the right direction, which we always believed it would do.

“We always believed we’d get there and I don’t believe we’re finished yet. We believe we’re doing the right things.

“There were a few frustrating results along the way that held us back a little bit. but we’ve come through that and we’re looking forward.”