Phil Jones says that the players are starting to understand the tactics of manager Louis van Gaal

Manchester United defender Phil Jones says that the players are starting to understand the tactics of manager Louis van Gaal and this has coincided with the significant improvement in form. United have been one of the top teams in the Premier League in 2015. They are currently on a run of four straight victories. It has made them almost certain of a top four finish, which was the primary objective of the club at the start of the campaign. Apart from their return to Champions League, United can also look forward to challenging for the title next season.

Such has been their form that they have managed to convert a nine-point deficit over Manchester City in the first half of the season into a four-point advantage going towards the end of the campaign. Van Gaal adopted the 3-5-2 formation during the early part of the season and this did not suit the players at all. It has only been after the return to playing four at the back that the players have started looking comfortable. Since then, they have managed to understand the tactics of the Dutchman in a much better way. Jones says that this is a huge reason behind their revival in form.

“Every player is well aware of the philosophy of the manager and the way he wants his teams to play.I think that’s why we’ve been hitting such good form lately. Every player now understands their role in the team. It’s more stable.Players know what they’re doing, day in, day out. Players like routines. They like to know what they’re doing in the week and in training. You can tell by the performances of late that the players are happy and enjoying it. There’s a real buzz around the training ground,” said Jones, who has also been excellent.