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Gary Neville believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival has inspired Manchester United’s turnaround which began against Aston Villa.

The Red Devils beat Villa 3-2 at Old Trafford in the first match after the British billionaire’s deal to buy a 25% percent stake in the club was announced. And Erik ten Hag’s side are now firmly back in the race to finish in the top four in the Premier League, alongside Villa.

Villa led 2-0 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day before United completed a stirring second half fightback. And Neville believes Ten Hag’s players have upped their performance levels because they know they are playing for their futures at the club under Ratcliffe.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I think it might be a little bit of a coincidence that their fortunes begin to turn around as soon as Jim Ratcliffe actually comes in but you look back to their win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day and that was his first game as it were given he was announced on Christmas Eve. He’s gone in there and said ‘I’m watching every single one of you lot because you’re all playing for your futures

Neville also believes Villa and Tottenham will now be feeling the pressure in the battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League. United are now in sixth place and just five points behind fourth-placed Villa and three points behind Spurs, who are in fifth place.

“You can feel Ten Hag is more confident in his team and that they’re in a better place,” said Neville. “He’ll fancy hunting down Tottenham and Villa for the top four. They’ll be feeling the pressure.

“I’m not saying Man Utd will get there but there is a bit between their teeth

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