Just as the January doom and gloom was beginning to set in, Bruno Lage finds a way of making us smile again.
There’s nothing quite like a first win at Old Trafford in more than 40 years to dispel the John Percy-induced anxiety of the last few days.
While this win won’t stop the fevered debate about Fosun’s ambitions for the club (or lack thereof), it does serve as a timely reminder of what we already have.
Make no mistake about it, this was a 1-0 battering.
Wolves controlled proceedings against a team whose bench cost more than most Premier League teams (including our own).
Sure, there were a few heart-in-mouth moments. It certainly wouldn’t have been a surprise if Fernandes had netted an equaliser at the death, especially when you think back to our last outing at this ground.
But we were more than good value for this result. It was as complete an away performance as you could hope for, and a further indication of just how good a manager we’ve bagged in Lage.
The discipline he has instilled in this team is remarkable, with every player seeming to have their role nailed down to a tee.
And the individual improvement is there for all to see. Semedo, Kilman, Coady, Saiss, Moutinho, Neves and Podence are all fine examples of that.
Heck, even Fabio made an impact when called upon. Perhaps all is not lost there after all.
There can be no doubt that reinforcements are still required, especially if we want to capitalise on the momentum that has been built over the first half of the season.
But nights like tonight are enough to remind us all that things are pretty sweet as they are, though one does hope that it will be enough to encourage Jeff and co to blow the dust off the Fosun coffers.
Back this manager and the sky is the limit.
