Andreas Pereira has revealed the Manchester United players did not believe they would be able to push into the top four before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived.
When the Norwegian took over from Jose Mourinho in December United were 13 points behind Tottenham and 11 points off the top four and the 2-1 win over Watford sent United back into the top four with Spurs not playing until Sunday against Liverpool.
After the game Pereira, who came on as a second half substitute, hailed the work of United's new manager.
"The run has been incredible," Pereira told MUTV. "Even the players didn’t think we would come so far. But, we stuck together and Ole came and did a fantastic job with us and we are delighted to work with him and continue doing our job."
The Brazilian was involved in United's second goal as his link-up play with Jesse Lingard helped to set up Anthony Martial.
"Anthony (Martial) saw me on the other side and I was free and after that when I saw Jesse (Lingard) on the overlap I could play him the ball and he crossed to Anthony and he could finish it off and it was a nice goal," Pereira said. "It was very important we got the three points today to keep fighting for the top four, we didn’t start off well and didn’t play our best football today but at least we got the three points."
A 90th minute goal from Gerard Deulofeu made for a nervy last few minutes at Old Trafford but Pereira had confidence in United's defenders.
"It was tense when they got the goal," Pereira said. "We know the quality Jones, Smalling and Rojo have at the back and we stuck together."
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