The skipper returned from injury last weekend to produce an excellent performance in the 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham United that lifted us into fourth place.
Our much-improved display at Old Trafford and the subsequent ascent up the table provided a welcome boost ahead of the international break.
Fighting to finish in the top four is never the true aim at United - we want to be first at all costs - but right now that is the short-term ambition and everybody is determined to make it happen.
The Reds are also focused on the Emirates FA Cup and will return to action next Friday with a fourth-round tie against Middlesbrough at the Theatre of Dreams.