Darren Fletcher insists United's rousing finish to last season is the inspiration behind their perfect start to the new campaign.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side won 12 of their last 16 games to avoid this term's Champions League qualifiers, and Fletcher sees that run as the reason United have started in such fine fettle this time around.
"What has happened at the start of this season really all came from what happened at the end of last year," he said.
"The manager kept stressing the importance of finishing second to avoid having to play in the Champions League qualifiers. It was important to kick on at the start of this season because we have not begun in the manner we wanted to over the past few years."
Fletcher turned in a superb performance in Wednesday's win over Celtic, and he admits United have a point to prove in the Champions League after last year's early exit.
"The Champions League was a massive disappointment to us last year," he said. "We have a lot to prove but three points against Celtic has given us a great start.
"We are happy with the way we attacked. We could have had more goals, especially in the second half and obviously, we are disappointed with the ones we conceded," he added.
"We got the three points, though, that is the main thing. It is the perfect start to our group, now we need to kick on."
Fletcher wants United to continue their perfect start against Arsenal on Sunday, even if he ends up making way for the return of Cristiano Ronaldo from suspension.
He said: "We have begun the Premiership well too, so hopefully we can continue that on Sunday. This is a fantastic, exciting week for us, with Tottenham, Celtic and Arsenal.
"I am like any player, I have to take my chances when they arrive. I know there will be times when I do play, and others when I donÂ’t."
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