When David Moyes went to bed on Friday evening, he could not have dreamed that his first Premier League encounter as manager of Manchester United would have gone as well as it did.
United hit four goals at Swansea City's Liberty Stadium, with the only blot on their copybook being a late strike from the home side's summer signing Wilfried Bony.
So, what, if anything, did we learn from Moyes's first game at the United helm? Here, Sports Mole has drawn five conclusions.
Experience is key
While the central midfield options at Moyes's disposal may be light, the same accusation cannot be aimed at his defensive alternatives. The need for Phil Jones at right-back and Jonny Evans's illness may have forced his hand somewhat, but Moyes opted for the experience of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the defence, with Chris Smalling a substitute. It's an early suggestion that despite the duo's fitness concerns, they are the new manager's preferred pairing in the biggest games.
Welbeck among the goals
Nobody has doubted Welbeck the footballer, but just one Premier League goal last season from 27 appearances tells its own story. He has already doubled that tally, scoring twice that included a chipped effort in stoppage time that had journalists competing against each other for the best superlative. However, it was his first goal from just four yards out that Moyes admitted pleased him more - a real poacher's effort. It seems that Welbeck will be instructed to get himself inside the penalty box on a more regular basis over the coming months.
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As wide as you like
It is in United's DNA that they play with wingers. Even when the formation changes from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 or 4-3-3, two players will be ordered to get chalk on their boots. In contrast, at Everton, Moyes tended to play without a natural wide man, resulting in speculation throughout pre-season that he could tinker with United's style. He knocked that idea into touch, though, by starting with Antonio Valencia on the right, while Ryan Giggs, Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie all took it in turns to operate on the left hand side of the pitch.
Sulk Rooney produces goods
From the moment Rooney walked into the Liberty Stadium, he had an expression on his face often seen on toddlers who have been told that they cannot afford the latest toy. There was no hint of a smile while he sat among his fellow substitutes and when his presence on the touchline to warm-up was greeted by faint chants of "Rooney, Rooney" from the travelling faithful, he reluctantly applauded. Having said that, he came off the bench to set up United's last two goals and his all-round play was good. He may yearn for Chelsea, but he showed that if he is forced to stay put, which is expected, he will not let down his teammates or lower his standards.
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RVP still the focal point
It is believed that part of Rooney's unhappiness centres around the fact that he has been forced to play second-fiddle to Van Persie. But with the Dutchman showing the sort of form that he did yesterday, it is difficult to argue a case for Rooney. Last season's leading goalscorer opened his account for the campaign with an acrobatic first and then powered in his second and United's third to put the match beyond Swansea's reach. In layman's terms, Van Persie has continued from where he left off.
Liam Apicella
