Manchester United have won just one of their last five Premier League matches, and Jose Mourinho’s side are already five points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Despite winning their first three league games, things have stuttered at Old Trafford of late, with a victory over champions Leicester City their only league success since beating Hull City at the end of August.

The Red Devils have also made steady progress in the Europa League, with a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Feyenoord succeeded by an unconvincing win over Ukrainian minnows Zorya last month.

Nevertheless, there have been some decent performances from United this season, and their draw at Liverpool on Monday was an indication that Mourinho is beginning to implement his methods on the side.

Some United players have performed better than many have given them credit for, so here are THREE United players that are underrated by the wider footballing world…

Daley Blind

He’s not one that many fans around the country would rate, but Daley Blind has done well in both the centre-half and left-back role in the early stages of the season.

Eyebrows were raised when Louis van Gaal spent £14 million on the Dutch international in 2014, but the 26-year-old has helped United out at times when they’ve been short on defensive options.

Many won’t remember that, when Blind moved to Old Trafford, he was mainly playing in defensive midfield for Ajax, and helped them win the Eredivisie the season before he left the club.

Blind’s efforts at the back deserve more credit than he gets.

Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia is another player who has made the right-back spot his own in recent times, despite being a useful winger in previous years.

It remains to be seen whether the Ecuadorian international can maintain his level throughout the season against a higher calibre of opponent, but he’s shown more than enough in recent games to suggest that Mourinho may not need to buy an established right-back in January.

His goal-saving tackle on Roberto Firmino on Monday night was indicative of his growing defensive capabilities, and they are capabilities that are often overlooked by other supporters.

Ashley Young

A £17 million move to United may suggest otherwise, but Ashley Young showed against Liverpool what an important asset he could for Mourinho this season.

The Portuguese boss needed experience to deal with the hostile atmosphere at Anfield, and there will be plenty of other grounds where that experience will be needed.

Mourinho also needs a disciplined midfield when going away to the top sides, and 31-year-old Young has proved in recent seasons that he is adept defensively, but also offers an outlet going forward.

Far from the first name on the team sheet, Young is a dependable option for Mourinho to utilise over the course of the season.