For all the talk of a crisis, and the fear of missing out on the Champions League again, Manchester United’s 4-0 win over QPR could be defining in the future of the 20-time Premier League champions.
There is no doubt there is pressure on boss Louis van Gaal after their £155 million (Dh925m) summer spending. But this dominant display suggested it could be money well spent as it signalled a promising new era and a warning to their rivals in this season’s title race, not just for one of the coveted top four spots.
Many might say this victory came against a QPR side which appears limited in all areas and could well be relegated. But take nothing away from United.
Just as Manchester City stumbled at home to unfancied Stoke, and Liverpool were unexpectedly beaten by Aston Villa at Anfield, it is victories against the so-called weaker teams that can make the difference come May. United needed to show their ambition and rediscover their arrogance again – and they did exactly that.
With so many changes, the past will matter little to the present. Sir Alex Ferguson is retired, David Moyes has gone, and it is now down to van Gaal to make his mark.
When he was at Bayern Munich in 2010, he also went winless for their first three games, but they recovered to win the Bundesliga.
Déjà vu? If van Gaal can settle on his tactics and team, and bring in an experienced centre-back in January, there is every chance.
What his new signings, the ‘Gaal-acticos’, did was lift the club, disgruntled fans, and existing players and revive the fear factor.
With names like Falcao, Luke Shaw, Adnan Januzaj among the subs, it is a strength in depth that means it will be scary to face United again.
While Falcao was only given a 20-minute cameo, he showed the fire that will ensure none of the frontline take their places for granted. Although denied a debut goal by a great block from Robert Green, the Colombian proved his worth.
Angel Di Maria was mesmerising on his home debut. In full flight, he looks unplayable and in a similar vein to Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Quick, clever and cunning, the £59m (Dh352m) record signing enthralled with 95 touches, 76 passes, six crosses, two shots, four chances created and a goal.
Those stats don’t tell the full story, though. When he got the ball he raced down the left wing with intent, and when he didn’t have it, he drifted across the pitch to try to make things happen.
Di Maria provides the excitement that United fans have been spoilt with over the years in the shape of a George Best or Ronaldo.
More performances like this will guarantee the same iconic status.
Daley Blind offered stability in the screen role in front of the centre-backs. Assured and dependable, he allowed midfield partner Ander Herrera to support the forwards.
A concern, though, was the right flank. While left-back Marcos Rojo, adept going forward as well is in defence, had Di Maria to help out, Rafael was often patrolling the opposite side on his own.
If van Gaal continues with this winning 4-4-2 formula, Juan Mata will have to be sacrificed for either Antonio Valencia or Januzaj to avoid United being exposed or Rafael being over-run in that area. Balance will mean more than individual brilliance and big egos – and confirm the return of the kings.
