Manchester United have at last found their rhythm this season and our local Red Devils punters here in the Transfer Tavern are really enjoying what they’re seeing now.

After more pretty dire and dour displays earlier this season – similar to what had gone in recent years before – the Old Trafford club now look like a force to be reckoned with once again.

Jose Mourinho has found a system that incorporates all of his big stars whilst he’s also seeing them gel with a core set of players that were already there before.

The title might be out of reach this season, of course, but certainly the top four is a huge possibility with the form they’re in at the moment.

After beating Sunderland pretty easily last time out they’ll be confident of further success against Middlesbrough next and our landlord reckons this 4-2-3-1 formation will help them win the game against the Teesiders…

GK: David De Gea

One thing remains constant for United – David De Gea.

If the club want to continue on this run this man needs to play at all possible opportunities.

RB: Antonio Valencia

Valencia has proven a lot of people wrong this season thanks to his displays at right back.

He now looks a proper option in that area and it seems safe to assume his winger days are long gone.

CB: Phil Jones

Another man who has excelled in the face of doubts this year is this man.

The Englishman looks like a genuine contender to start, now, even when Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling both return.

CB: Marcos Rojo

Rojo is not in the same situation as Jones and will come out of the team as soon as possible.

Nevertheless, he’s done a decent job so far and should start here.

LB: Daley Blind

Blind has come back into the team and our landlord thinks it makes a lot of sense.

Matteo Darmian isn’t as good as the Dutchman and so, rightly, Blind should get the nod here.

CDM: Ander Herrera

Ander has been one of United’s best players this season and despite all of the big names at the club, he should be one of the first on the team-sheet.

He’s tenacious and creative and that’s made him a success this year.

CDM: Michael Carrick

Carrick continues to be fantastic for United and is a big part of the reason behind their resurgence.

He knits everything together and provides balance to leave United’s more attacking stars to go forward freely.

RAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Mkhitaryan looks settled at last this season and that can only be good for United.

His goal against Sunderland was ludicrous and suggested his confidence is now at a very high level – meaning he needs to start.

CAM: Paul Pogba

Pogba’s taken a hammering this season when he’s been poor but to his credit he’s rode it out and now looks ready to kick on.

He’s played well in these past few games and looks set for a great 2017.

LAM: Jesse Lingard

Here’s another man set for a top 2017.

Lingard, like Pogba, has been battered when he’s not played well but he too has battled away and looks like a good player now. It’s credit to him that we’re talking about him more than Marcus Rashford at the moment.