Ayden Heaven stunned fans with an exceptional display - and a claim made in his post-match interview on Friday night.
Injury issues have seen the 19-year-old become a mainstay in United's backline in recent times and the defender produced an incredible performance in the 1-0 win over Newcastle United.
Patrick Dorgu scored the only goal in the first half in the Boxing Day clash at Old Trafford, volleying home from the edge of the box as United recorded just their second clean sheet of the season and a first since October.
Heaven was integral in stopping Newcastle from scoring, conjuring up a number of impressive defensive actions and displaying a calmness on the ball.
Advert
He was deservedly named Man of the Match for his performance and was interviewed by Sky Sports alongside Patrick Dorgu.
The former Arsenal man spoke with positivity about the victory, which moved United up to fifth in the table after 18 games.
However, he may have got a little ahead of himself when he said that United had the potential to mount a title challenge.
"As Manchester United we belong in Europe and we want to get back there next season," Heaven said.
"We can push for the top four, possibly push for the league. Anything is possible. We are just going to keep trying."
On the win, he stated: "Clean sheet, we've been waiting for this for a couple of weeks and I'm just so happy. This guy here [Dorgu], he helped us get there. I'm thankful for everyone that helped us.
"It was different [the formation] again. Obviously I was playing on the right side and it's obviously my weaker foot but the manager, we play loads of formations and whatever he does, we know it's going to work. I'm just so proud of the team."
After the win, United find themselves 10 points behind Arsenal, who have played a game less. In the race for the top four, United are level on points with Chelsea, who host third-placed Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
Ruben Amorim's side are back in action again on Tuesday when they host bottom club Wolves in a second home game in a row.
Topics: Manchester United, Ruben Amorim
Josh Lawless