Ralf Rangnick admits he was "surprised" at just how receptive Manchester United's players were to his ideas since becoming the club's interim manager until the end of the season.
The German has deployed a 4-2-2-2 formation to incorporate his 'gegenpressing' tactical approach, and the 63-year-old explained how impressed he was by the inquisitive nature of his new squad of players.
"I was more than surprised with the way the players were buying into that pro-active kind of football; not only in the games, but also in training," he said in an interview with Sky Sports.
"They were asking questions. They were interested in how and what they should to in what situation.
"The passing skills - if I compare that to Germany - are on a higher level. Now it's about making use of that and play as often as possible vertical; not too many squad passes, not too many back passes."
United recorded a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in Rangnick's first match in charge, before a much-changed team were held 1-1 by Young Boys in their final Champions League group stages fixture on Wednesday.
The Red Devils are currently in action against Norwich City looking to claim a third consecutive Premier League victory for the first time since September.
A win against the Canaries would see United move up to fifth in the table, with only goal difference preventing them from going up into the top four.
As for Norwich, three points will lift them off the bottom of the table into 18th and only behind Watford on goal difference.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick, Premier League