Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has said that the Red Devils are heading "in the right direction" under Erik ten Hag.

The 20-time English champions have struggled to challenge for major silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013, with a number of managers finding it difficult to make their mark.

There have been positive signs this term under Ten Hag, though, with the team currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table, three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand.

Man United are also through to the fourth round of the EFL Cup, with Burnley their opponents in the competition on December 21.

Meanwhile, the club will take on Barcelona in a two-legged Europa League knockout round playoff in February for the right to progress in the competition.

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De Gea has said that his side are playing a different style this season under Ten Hag, and the Spaniard is confident that the Red Devils can enjoy success under the Dutchman's leadership.

"I think this year we want to dictate games and want to have the ball," De Gea told ANI. "We are looking to play from the back and press teams, pressing high in the opponent's half. We are trying to keep the ball in the opponent's half, try to score goals and win games.

"The beginning of the season was a bit tough. After that, we started playing excellent football, winning games.

"We had a new manager and new players, so we needed a bit of time to know the way that the manager wants us to play. But I think we are in the right direction winning games and playing really well."

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De Gea, having been left out of the Spain squad for the 2022 World Cup, is currently with the Man United squad in Spain preparing for their two mid-season friendlies.

The 20-time English champions will face Cadiz in their first friendly on Wednesday evening before taking on Real Betis on Saturday.

Man United will then head back to England to prepare for their EFL Cup contest against Burnley on December 21, which comes six days before their next Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest.

The club's players who have seen their countries eliminated at the World Cup will slowly return to Carrington, but there are still a number of representatives from Man United at the competition in Qatar.