Former Manchester United midfielder Lee Sharpe has claimed that the Red Devils are now returning to their best after struggling under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.

The English giants have had to endure a difficult period since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013, but Jose Mourinho has made a perfect start to life at Old Trafford - winning all four of his competitive matches in charge.

Sharpe, who won three Premier League titles with Man United, claimed last December that he found himself changing channel while watching Van Gaal's team struggle to entertain.

However, the 45-year-old is confident that the good times will soon return under Mourinho, who oversaw a 1-0 victory over Hull City before the international break.

"It took me a little bit back to old United. Hull made it really difficult for them defensively, yet they kept going and you could see at some point in the game that they were going to score," Sharpe told reporters.

"I think under Louis van Gaal they were a little bit sedate when they were chasing a game or chasing a winner towards the end, whereas this was like the Alamo. They were just going that whole last 20 minutes and it just so happens they scored in good old 'Fergie time'.

"The team look really strong in every department. I think the manager's strengthened in good areas with top-quality players and I think the rest of the team are raising their standards to join them."

Man United will welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby on Saturday.