Five goals, neat passing, attacking football and something – finally – for their fans to cheer about.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got his interim reign in the United hot seat off to a perfect start with a comfortable win at Cardiff, kick-started by Marcus Rashford's third-minute free-kick.
Ander Herrera made it 2-0 with a deflected before Victor Camarasa pulled one back from the penalty spot.
But a stunning move was rounded off by Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard's penalty and slotted finish completed the much-needed, impressive win.
So how did SunSport rate the Manchester United stars?
DAVID DE GEA
Been one of United’s busiest players in recent weeks but hardly had a thing to do. Had no chance with the penalty, but did pull off a fine low save to deny Josh Murphy.
ASHLEY YOUNG
Operating on the right to shackle the dangerous Josh Murphy and played with minimum fuss. Off the ball was one of the main men driving United on and is still a key influence on the side.
VICTOR LINDELOF
In the right place early to clear his lines when Callum Peterson was trying to connect with a cross from the left. Dealt with everything in front of him, though still looks edgy in possession at times.
PHIL JONES
Given his struggles of late, would have been happy to see makeshift forward Paterson as his big threat. Turned out to be the perfect return as Cardiff offered nothing going forward.
LUKE SHAW
Benefitted from Jose Mourinho’s sacking by being recalled to the starting line-up and soon justified his place with a brave far-post header, earning a whack on the side of his head in the process. Offers balance to the side and now needs to seize the chance to cement his place.
PAUL POGBA
Lively from the off, it was his burst towards the box that drew the foul, leading to Marcus Rashford’s opening goal. Set up Ander Herrera for the second goal and Jesse Lingard for the fifth – he was also involved in the third. A fine return.
NEMANJA MATIC
Showed sign of intent within a minute when instead of playing square he tried a defence-splitting past which Jesse Lingard only just failed to latch on to. Did the dirty work while others provided the polish.
ANDER HERRERA
Busy without being flash – then unleashed his long-range shot to double the lead. Top-level class has been questioned and he’s clearly no world-beater, but he’s what United need right now.
JESSE LINGARD
When he’s at his best, can be devastating in linking midfield and exposing gaps. A well-weighted ball set up Martial for the third, and he converted from the spot for the fourth after his fine run drew the penalty. Rounded off the win in the final minute.
ANTHONY MARTIAL
The sight of Martial running directly at the Cardiff defence will have pleased Solskjaer, who is trying to get his stars playing with freedom. Scored the goal of the game, though did fade out as the match went on.
MARCUS RASHFORD
Demanded the ball to open the scores after 181 seconds and the goal gave him extra energy as he chased, came short, tackled and led the line in the best way possible. Blotted his copybook to concede the penalty, but overall a quality display. Replaced by Fred with ten minutes to go.
SUBS
FRED
Came on for goalscorer Rashford with ten minutes to go and produced a few nice touches. Could well see more of him in the coming weeks.
ANDREAS PEREIRA
Brought on for Martial for the final five. Got a couple of touches and produced one run with countless step-overs before… passing it back into midfield.
MAROUANE FELLAINI
Took Matic's place in the base of the midfield to close out the game. Did exactly that.
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