CHERRIES star Marcus Tavernier believes his side are reaping the rewards for sticking together after a tricky run to start the season.

A run of five-games without defeat continued in spectacular fashion at the weekend, Cherries cruising to their first ever win at Old Trafford by defeating Manchester United 3-0.

Dominic Solanke opened scores after just five minutes, before two goals midway through the second period courtesy of Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi made sure of the result.

The comfortable win represents a fifth win from the last seven league fixtures, whilst marking a run of three consecutive victories on the road for just the second time in the Premier League for Cherries.

Defensively Cherries have also been solid in recent weeks, with their clean sheets against Crystal Palace and Man United their first back-to-back shutouts since November 2019.

Tavernier felt Cherries’ defenders set the tone for the performance, individually highlighting Lewis Cook, who bossed the midfield.

“I’ve got to give massive credit to the defence today and our defensive side of the game,” Tavernier began explaining to the Daily Echo.

“The way we approached it, we knew coming here was going to be a tough test.

“Lew Cook was tremendous. He set the tone early on with his pressing and winning second balls. That got everyone going. That’s what I personally believe.

“It got me going for the game. It was a great start with the cross to Dom, who is on fire at the moment.

“So overall we can take loads of positives from this game and build on it.”

After waiting 10 games to claim a first league win under Andoni Iraola, Cherries have now picked up 16 points from the last 21 available to them.

Cherries’ resurgence has seen them shoot up the league table, Iraola’s charges now sitting in 14th, 10 points above the drop zone.

“Overall, everyone will know the mood in the camp,” the 24-year-old continued.

“It’s a great victory for us. We can be proud, take this moment in and really cherish it.

“We’ve been playing well in recent weeks and we know that we’ve progressed so much, so quickly. “We’re proving that to the league and hopefully can continue just continue this form.”

Following the long wait for a maiden victory of the Premier League season, Tavernier believes the team spirit formed by last season’s relegation battle served Cherries well, the group sticking together in determination to return to form.

He explained: “We’ve got a great set of lads, we’ve got a great team morale.

“We proved that last season, in the tough situation we were in that we had to stick together and rise to the occasion and we’ve carried that on over to this season.

“We stuck together. We didn’t have the best of starts, but now we’re starting to play our football and pick up points.”

Tavernier ended the game with two assists, providing the crosses for Billing and Senesi’s headers in the second half.

“Personally I didn’t think I had the best game, but people will look at it and see the stats,” continued the Bradford-born midfielder.

“I’m happy with the two assists, but most importantly I’m happy with the three points.”

Cherries return to action this weekend, when they host Luton Town at Vitality Stadium.

The Hatters occupy the final relegation spot of 18th, and are 10 points and four places behind Cherries in the league table.