Ashley Young scored his first goal for over a year and the Red Devils may have just plugged a problem area for the long-term.
Find out how they rated in the 4-1 win over Fulham…
David De Gea – Had virtually nothing to do. Until the penalty, which he got nowhere near.
Fulham were generally woeful, but the world's best No1 needs to get back to his pre-World Cup form and this was a step in the right direction after his Arsenal blunder.
Diogo Dalot – The young Portuguese was starting only his fifth game and was tasked with keeping opposing teen Ryan Sessegnon in his pocket.
He skinned Joe Bryan after nine minutes and put in the first of a series fantastic crosses, a trait that appears to be his forte, especially compared to Antonio Valencia.
Next Gary Neville… or even Philipp Lahm?
Phil Jones – An epic battle with Aleksandar Mitrovic never materialised. Jones made the right interceptions and the right headers, nothing to write home about, but nothing to worry about either.
Clearly more suited to a two-man pairing.
Chris Smalling – Attempted to spread the ball to Diogo Dalot after 16 minutes, but it went straight out into touch.
Maybe Gareth Southgate has a point over his passing ability. Still a solid, otherwise flawless afternoon.
Ashley Young – Was put under plenty of pressure by Andre Schurrle and even put the German on his backside. But when he got one-on-one with Odoi, the World Cup ace put the ball through his legs before smashing a shot inside the far post.
It was his first goal since his pair at Watford last season.
Nemanja Matic – Mis-hit a bizarre channel ball to Lukaku, which ended up 20 yards off target. Lacks mobility or intensity, but still remains a smart presence in midfield. The Serbian is still off last season’s fine early form.
Ander Herrera – Like a scorpion, the Spaniard won the ball back with sliding interceptions and tackles.
Better sides will use this to their advantage, but alongside Matic at the base of the midfield, Herrera looked at home.
Replays showed he had won the ball when he conceded a penalty, but that should not tarnish a good day's work.
Juan Mata – When United can find him the ball around the box, Mata can be devastating.
And his 50th Premier League goal was a fitting tribute to a player who is smart and a model pro.
Also joined Cesc Fabregas and David Silva on an elite list of Spaniards with 50 goals and 50 assists in the Premier League.
Jesse Lingard – Slowly still improving for United and now fully fit. Is it any surprise United look sharper in attack now that he is? His through ball down the channel to Mata, who squared to Lukaku for United’s third showed his deftness of touch is returning.
Marcus Rashford – Fulham was the perfect opposition for Rashford to try a few step-overs from the left and cut inside, who stung Sergio Rico’s palms with a lovely cut-in and shot.
His goal from the left-hand side was reminiscent of another world-beating winger whose name began with 'R'.
Surely the Englishman can start to push to that next, all important level.
Romelu Lukaku – The Belgian needed that. Some lovely link-up play for Mata’s goal. A tap-in for himself.
More movement into wide areas, stretching Fulham’s defence and creating space for others.
The question is: Can he play like this in the big games?
SUBS
Scott McTominay (on for Marcus Rashford 83min) – Almost scored with his first touch of the game, ghosting on to Dalot's cross.
Fred (on for Jesse Lingard 71min) – Came on and gave United that unmistakable Fred energy and ball in the final 20 minutes.
Can we see more of him in the squad, please Jose?
Marcos Rojo (on for Chris Smalling 57min) – Sensational sliding tackle on Aboubakar Kamara fully justified his place.
The Argentinian is a top squad player, but he may never be anything more.
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