The ‘atmosphere has improved’ since Jose Mourinho was sacked, says Chelsea

You know better than I do that Chelsea was in, and is still in, a position where they have to improve a lot to go up and through the table and we need all the players for the moment, ” he said.

But Mikel is remaining upbeat over his side’s chances of securing an unlikely place in the top four.

Despite an improved performance in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea, United slipped to sixth in the Premier League and manager Louis van Gaal’s future is still in doubt.

The famous Ibis Sport Club have beaten Manchester United and Real Madrid to the punch and given Jose Mourinho a contract offer – though the deal is not what it first appears to be.

The South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victor, who was reduced to a bit-part player under Mourinho, is backing Hiddink to turn around the club’s fortunes.

“Obviously we don’t think like that, we look forward and I think with the dynamic we are in now and the games we are playing, soon we will start winning games”.

Mikel said: “He hasn’t changed much yet, but he was here before and he knows the place and all the staff. The players are different – only me and JT (Terry) were here before – but he knows what to do”.

The offer includes a food hamper as his monthly salary – and bonuses for every game he loses.

“We are down there in the table and he can’t just come in and perform miracles, but we want to get out of it and climb up the table, it’s three games now without losing so that’s a good step”.

Hiddink may also consider keeping Patrick Bamford at Chelsea, after the young striker ended his loan spell at Crystal Palace ended.

Mikel believes the 69-year-old former Russian Federation and Australia coach can lead the team to glory land but is insistent on the gradual progress.