Lisandro Martinez believes Manchester United are on track to compete for honours under Erik ten Hag, but says the Red Devils must remain grounded following their turnaround in fortunes.
United began the campaign with humiliating back-to-back losses to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford, but have won six of their eight subsequent Premier League fixtures to sit fifth in the table.
Ten Hag's team could now leapfrog Chelsea into a top-four spot when they face the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, having won three of their last four away league games.
United claimed one of their most impressive results of the season last time out, as goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes downed Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford, and Martinez says that display was the culmination of much work from Ten Hag's team.
Asked whether Wednesday's win represented their best performance of the season, Martinez told Sky Sports: "I think so. We did a great job.
"We controlled the game, the whole 90 minutes. I think they had only one chance in the first half and then we were solid in defence.
"I am really happy because we tried really hard to play at this level. We want to play this way. It is fantastic to do it."
Martinez was heavily criticised for his own role in United's early-season woes, with detractors suggesting the Argentina international did have the necessary physical attributes to thrive in England.
But the former Ajax man stressed the importance of remaining calm as he added: "Sometimes we have to be patient, you know. Especially in the beginning, we know that we did not play how we wanted.
"But it is part of football, we learn. It is experience. We have a new team, a new system. Now we have to keep going.
"It is difficult. Especially in football, you don't have time. If you lose you are a really bad player or a really bad team. But we know what we are. We have to be calm, we have to be patient, and always try hard.
"For sure, our ambition is to win titles, to put Manchester United where they deserve [to be].
"I think we are in a good way to do it. But we have to keep our feet on the ground, we have to be humble and take it step by step."
Martinez was also asked to name his defensive role model, and selected another fiery Argentine, one who participated in a Premier League title win with United in the 2006-07 season.
"Gabriel Heinze is my idol," Martinez added. "I love him. I love the way he played, very aggressive, good mentality, good mentality in the duels.
"[He played] every game as a final. He was a top player. I try to play like him. We are a bit different as well, but I like his mentality."
United are bidding to improve on a poor record at Stamford Bridge – their 20 per cent win rate (6/30) in away Premier League games against Chelsea is their worst record against any side they have faced more than twice on the road.
'Legend' Van Nistelrooy departs Man Utd after Amorim arrival
Manchester United have confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy has departed the club following Ruben Amorim's arrival at Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy returned to the club in July on a two-year contract as an assistant to Erik ten Hag.
He was placed in interim charge after Erik ten Hag's dismissal last month.
The 48-year-old oversaw four games during his temporary tenure, earning victories over Leicester City in the EFL Cup and PAOK in the Europa League. United were then held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea, but Van Nistelrooy signed off in style with a 3-0 win over the Foxes in the Premier League on Sunday.
But Amorim, who began his new role on Monday, has decided against retaining the Dutchman's services, with the club saying the full men's first team coaching composition will be announced in due course.
"Ruud is and always will be a Manchester United legend," the club said in a statement.
"We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford."
Assistant Rene Hake, goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar and analyst Pieter Morel have also left the club.
However, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will remain in his coaching role and continue his link between the first team and the academy.
Pereira replaces Amorim as Sporting head coach
Sporting CP have confirmed Joao Pereira as the club's new head coach following Ruben Amorim's departure to Manchester United.
Pereira, who made 154 appearances across three different spells with Sporting, has put pen to paper on a deal that runs through until 2027 with the Primeira Liga champions.
The 40-year-old also appeared five times under Amorim during the 2020-21 season, a campaign that saw Sporting claim their first top-flight title in 19 years.
Pereira has previously managed Sporting's Under-23 side, taking charge of 53 games and winning 20 of those (D17 L16), averaging 1.45 points per match.
He most recently took charge of Sporting's B team, but oversaw just 11 matches, and he is relishing the opportunity of leading the club after the international break.
"As a player, Sporting gave me a lot, allowing me to play for the national team, join one of the best leagues in the world and return home twice," Pereira said.
"I only repaid them with a Super Cup and a national championship, which felt more like their gift to me.
"That’s something I regret, so as a coach I’d like to repay them with more titles because Sporting deserve it.
"If I had doubts and thought things might go wrong, I wouldn’t be here. It hasn’t even crossed my mind that it could go poorly.
"I know we’ll face challenges, but I believe it will go well."
But Pereira has a tough act to follow, with Amorim ending his glittering stint with the club on a high after a 4-2 win over Braga on Sunday.
Amorim won 164 of his 231 games in charge of Sporting, averaging a win percentage of 71%, which is a club record.
During his time in charge, only Manchester City (127) won more matches than his Sporting team (122) across Europe's top 10 leagues.
"Ruben leaves behind a legacy, and that legacy isn’t only in titles, victories, and records but also in the unity he built among the Sporting family," Pereira added.
"I know this brings great responsibility, but that responsibility comes hand-in-hand with a strong ambition and motivation to continue making Sporting a winning club with a bright future.”
Pereira's first assignment will come in the Taca de Portugal against fourth-tier side Amarante on November 22, before welcoming Arsenal to the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the Champions League five days later.
'I'm not naive', says Amorim as he relishes 'difficult' Man Utd challenge
Ruben Amorim insisted he was "not naive" about the "difficult" task awaiting him as Manchester United's new head coach.
Amorim took charge of his final game as Sporting CP's manager on Sunday, culminating in a 4-2 away win against Braga to maintain their perfect start to the Primeira Liga season.
The 39-year-old ended his glittering career with the Portuguese side having won 164 of his 231 games at the helm (D34 L33), bowing out with a win percentage of 71%, a club record.
Amorim arrives at Old Trafford after a string of impressive results under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who went unbeaten across his four games during his temporary stint.
Though the Portuguese's arrival at the club and the positive results of late have lifted the mood in Manchester, Amorim acknowledged the enormity of the task at hand.
"I feel ready for the new challenge," Amorim told reporters after his final match at Sporting. "I'm not naive, I know it's going to be very different, very difficult.
"I'm at peace now. I can focus on my new job, and I'm looking forward to starting tomorrow.
"I know it will be difficult to reproduce what I have here anywhere else, but there are other places with different exposure and pressure."
United are yet to confirm the precise nature of Amorim's backroom team and whether Van Nistelrooy will remain at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman returned to Old Trafford in July as an assistant coach under former boss Erik ten Hag, signing a two-year contract.
"I have to talk with him [on Monday]," Amorim added. "I will explain everything. I'm very clear, and I will tell you like it is. So let's wait."
Amorim now has 13 days during the international break to prepare for his match in charge, which comes at Portman Road against Ipswich Town on November 24.
His first Old Trafford outing comes four days later in the Europa League against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.
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