Steve Bruce admits that switching to a new formation has brought Miguel Almiron "back to life" after the South American sparkled in the FA Cup tie at West Brom this week.
Almiron also performed well in the 0-0 draw with Burnley and Bruce is poised to unleash the Paraguay international on Southampton this weekend.
The former MLS playmaker is now top scorer with six goals this term.
Speaking on the formation change, with United now playing with four at the back, Bruce said: "I think it's why we looked to change.
"Up to three or four games ago we had looked a threat but it waned.
"We were finding it difficult to sustain anything.
"We're now playing two at the top end of the pitch.
"The move has brought Miggy back to life again."
Bruce hopes that Almiron can continue his good form as the season hits the final straight.
Bruce, speaking at his weekly Press conference, added: "He's taken his chance brilliantly well. You can't deny he's a manager's dream.
"He trains hard every day and every statistic he wins.
"He is a delight to manage. He trains and plays with a smile on his face.
"It is important he plays in his right position.
"We have seen the best of him in the last couple of matches."
The Magpies have now parked the five-man defence that they used throughout the winter months.
Bruce said: "We will be judged on results. At Leicester we changed and we were unfortunate as we went down to 10 men.
"I detected then the players were more comfortable with it (the five man defence).
"Let's be fair we got some good results with it.
"But we need to have a couple of formations up our sleeve."
