Manchester United opened their Premier League campaign with a crash, bang and a wallop against Leeds United last Saturday.
Old Trafford was treated to a five-star display after the Red Devils knocked five past their Yorkshire guests.
Bruno Fernandes took home the match ball following his fine hattrick, with Mason Greenwood and Fred also adding their name to the scoresheet.
It was a wonderful day for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, who welcomed Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane to the home crowd for the first time.
There were plenty of positives to take away from the result, but here are three lessons learned from United’s victory over their age-old rival.
Fernandes firing on all cylinders
Entering into the fixture, questions lingered over the capacity Fernandes would be playing out due to potential burn out from last season.
The midfield maestro has rarely been afforded a rest since he made his United debut last February.
He played 58 times across all competitions in 2020/21, on top of four appearances at this summers’ European Championships with Portugal.
Fernandes struggled to make an impact upon the competition, possibly a domino effect from the demands of domestic football.
But there was absolutely no concern over his fitness versus Leeds on the weekend.
All three of his goals were set-up thanks to well-timed runs into the opposition penalty area, with the execution to accompany it.
There can’t have been many blades of grassed untouched by the Portuguese international’s boot.
How long he can keep up this energy is another story. For now, simply marvel in his enthusiasm.
Pogba’s almost perfect performance
And so the Paul Pogba debate rumbles on.
No matter how well he plays, some supporters- and certain pundits- will always find room to critic and curse the French World Cup winner.
Which is almost laughable, considering he provided not one, not two, not three but a mere four assists against Leeds.
Do you know how many players have managed that feat in the Premier League era? Just seven, eight including Pogba’s masterclass.
Every through ball, every incisive pass, every moment of utter brilliance emphasised how important the 28-year-old is to United.
Would it be wrong to say he is Solskjaer’s most vital component?
There is a spare player in almost every position, but none with such craft and flair like Pogba.
Keep him healthy and happy, United have every chance of challenging for Manchester City’s league crown.
Squad depth holding strong
However, one element that puts them behind the likes of City and Chelsea is their strength in reserve.
United have one of the best starting XIs in the division, yet beyond the initial eleven, they fall slightly by the wayside.
That is until they faced Leeds, where in fact their squad depth actually appeared pretty well equipped.
Solskjaer managed to leave Sancho and Anthony Martial on the bench, bringing them both on in the second half.
Nemanja Matic was also introduced as a substitute, whilst the likes of Juan Mata and Donny van de Beek were unused.
Those changes alone are of a high pedigree, but there’s more.
Varane will soon come into the team, followed in due course by Marcus Rashford after he recovers from his shoulder problem.
Jesse Lingard is also an option, unless he his sold before the window closes.
Add all of this together, along with possibly one more signing, and United shouldn’t be too disheartened by their platoon compared to England’s other heavy weights.
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