DANNY MURPHY: Erik ten Hag has changed the mindset of his Manchester United players

Marcus Rashford is of course credited for his goals, but the way Erik ten Hag has changed the way his players think is the most impressive thing about Manchester United this season.

The new United are resilient and defensively committed. They risk their bodies against City.

Players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw and Rashford himself were written off a year ago. On Saturday they were the cornerstones of a great derby win against the best side in Europe. It shows what a coach can do.

The way Erik ten Hag has changed the mindset of his players is what is most impressive

Even before Rashford scored his winner, the England striker symbolized a new spirit at the club. When City had a goal more, he sprinted 40 meters to the corner flag to take out a City defender.

It got the stadium going and sparked the comeback. Things like that come from a place of desire and trust that Rashford now has on top of his undoubted ability.

I didn’t see that energy from him a year ago. Credit to Ten Hag for making him and the rest of the United team believe.

The Dutchman is also tactically clever. I said after the 6-3 win against City that United would have a hard time against their best opponents with a midfield three of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen.

Marcus Rashford is an example of the great work Ten Hag has done so far this season

Ten Hag tweaked it this time, getting Fred to assist Casemiro on defensive tasks and City found it much more difficult.

The league now shows that City and United are only separated by a point. Who would have thought that in August? For Ten Hag’s team to even be mentioned in title talks is a huge compliment, although personally I think this is a season too early for them.

But Alejandro Garnacho’s performance on such a big stage was a revelation when he came on. Not many 18-year-olds could handle the occasion with a combination of maturity and fearlessness.

If I were Jadon Sancho I would look to him and United’s achievements as a motivation. I wouldn’t write him off as Ten Hag seems like the type of manager to give him a chance.

It seems Sancho’s problems are more physical than skill-based. With the right attitude, he can be willing to help the team.

Alejandro Garnacho’s performance on such a big stage was a revelation

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Six goals in eight away games is very different from Manchester City, so only one shot in the last two. This isn’t a City crisis, but they need to find new ways to create opportunities and be more penetrating outside of the Etihad.

Even home teams like United yesterday remain very disciplined at the back and that makes it difficult for the champions.

I think it’s time to use Erling Haaland’s physical qualities more often in away games. Play more balls towards him in percentage terms.

City will lose possession on occasion but it will be a sacrifice worth taking because he can find opportunities too. The opponents weigh City in safe possession.

It’s time to use Erling Haaland’s physical attributes more often

Pep Guardiola’s side had 70 per cent possession at Old Trafford and 72 per cent against Southampton but were rarely threatened on either occasion.

I have no doubt that we will look back on that spell as a brief moment in time for City. Guardiola is too good a coach not to fix a few mistakes. A few defeats will have kept heads focused and I don’t particularly envy Tottenham who have to play them next on Thursday – and at the Etihad too.