Erik ten Hag has hailed 'great players' Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay after they turned around their Manchester United careers.
Both were transfer-listed back in the summer but stayed to fight for their places at Old Trafford.
England defender Maguire has been in very good form in recent weeks, while Scotland midfielder McTominay is the club's leading goalscorer this season with six.
McTominay netted twice as Ten Hag's side beat Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday night and they'll hope to kick on at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.
Maguire won the Premier League Player of the Month award for November on Friday, with Ten Hag scooping the Manager prize.
Asked about the pair's upturn in fortunes, the United boss said: 'I think we have a squad and in the squad there is internal competition. If you want a successful season, you need more than 11 players.
'Finally, in every season, it will turn and in every season it's what is the best team.
'They are here, they are great players, and played themselves into the team.
'That's what you expect from every player, there has to be dedication to aim for this.'
'I think we have a squad and in the squad there is internal competition. If you want a successful season you need more than 11 players.
'The best team will turn in an average season.'
On McTominay's goal-scoring form, the United boss added: 'Actually from the first moment I saw, he has a very good smell to make it in the box and he is a very good finisher.
'That is not a surprise when we bring it and the way we want to play and get the balls to them he will finish.'
United will aim to build on their win and much-improved performance against Chelsea when they host Bournemouth on Saturday.