United revival down to settled team: Keane

Roy Keane insists Manchester United's return to form is down to manager Alex Ferguson's decision to ditch his controversial rotation system.

Ferguson has used just 15 players in the last six games as United have taken maximum points and scored 16 goals to climb back to second in the table. He picked 21 different players for the first six matches of the season.

"It helps we are settled," Keane told MUTV. "We are well aware of the rotation system and when players have to be rested. But it's important that you have a solid team as a base and you know what it will be week in, week out.

"It's okay to make the odd change but of course we have had a settled team and that's helped us. We are also not giving away any daft goals and we have had a settled back four. The team now seems to be gelling."

The captain also revealed he had joined his manager in dismissing United's chances of winning their fourth straight title after they slumped to their sixth league defeat of the season at home to West Ham on December 8.

"I know the manager likes to play his mind games, but four weeks ago we did think we were completely out of it," he added. "But fortunately for us, one or two of the top teams have slipped up a little, and we have managed to win six in a row so now we are in with a shout."

United take a break from league action this weekend when they play Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Sunday at Villa Park.