Patrice Evra admits his improved displays this season have stemmed from being more settled in England.
The French left-back struggled to adapt to life in the Premiership after his January move from Monaco, but has turned in greatly superior performances this term.
"I feel better," he told United Review. "This is my first full season and IÂ’m understanding things more; playing for United, English football, what the Boss wants.
"Six months ago it was not very good for me, but it was good for my experience, for my head, because every day, every game, every training session I was learning."
Patrice admits that, after initially suffering a culture shock due to the pace of Premiership football, he now relishes the action.
"In France the game is relaxed in defence," he said. "You have time on the ball. But in England you always have forwards or midfielders on you. I am enjoying it very much now."
With Gabriel Heinze and Nemanja Vidic back and almost fully fit, the competition for places in the United defence is set to increase dramatically.
Evra, however, is adamant that he swapped a life of luxury in Monte Carlo for such a challenge, and is thriving as he pushes his own boundaries.
"If you come to Manchester you want competition," he said. "If I didnÂ’t want competition I would have stayed in Monte Carlo because it was easy for me and I played every game.
"It is good for me here because I work harder. IÂ’m never sure that I will play every game. ItÂ’s not just football either, but in life. I eat well. I sleep well.
"It is more important now that I make these sacrifices in my life because Manchester United is a big, big club."
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