And the midfielder has hailed his burgeoning understanding on the right side of the field with rampaging full-back Habib Beye.

Geremi started the season as a central midfielder under Sam Allardyce, who had signed him from Chelsea.

But the 29-year-old did not looked suited to the role, and the Cameroon international left for the African Nations Cup at the turn of the year low on confidence.

However, he starred in the tournament – helping his country to the final, where they were beaten by Egypt – and returned to Tyneside determined to prove himself to the new manager at St James's Park, with Kevin Keegan having replaced Allardyce during his absence.

Keegan had followed his progress in Ghana closely, and Geremi believes the sight him playing right-back for his country gave the 57-year-old the confidence to play him on the right side of a three-man midfield.

"Of course I'm enjoying my football now, especially because of the way the team is playing," said Geremi. "We had a very bad period, but we stuck together, and continued to work.

"The manager had a big impact on us, and we've had good results.

"I know he had been following the African Nations Cup, so he knew that I can play wide in midfield, or right-back.

"It is the same role, and for me, it's easier, as I know how to play right-back, and I have a good understanding with Habib Beye.

"We played with three in midfield, which had a good shape. We had good organisation. We had to keep the shape. The way the team finished playing, we are very confident."

Geremi bagged two goals as United picked up form towards the end of the season – a free-kick in the 4-1 win at Tottenham, and the equaliser in a 2-2 draw againt West Ham.

But he missed the final game of the season against Everton after the death of his 35-year-old sister Nantchouang to leukaemia. He jetted back to Cameroon to be with his family, and is expected to be available for his country's World Cup qualifying game against Cape Verde Islands on May 31.