The wait has been long for Manchester United fans, but the swashbuckling bravado of the Sir Alex Ferguson years looks to be back after two outstanding performances.
As he stood there puffing on his imaginary cigar ahead of the Swansea game, you could be forgiven for thinking that Jose Mourinho already knew the outcome. Afterall, his side were fresh off a dismantling of West Ham and spirits were high, though not many could have predicted just how well Manchester United would open their 2017/18 Premier League campaign.
But history has a funny way of repeating itself and two consecutive 4-0 victories for the first time in 110 years is a testament to where this United side currently find themselves. The results - and the manner in which they achieved them - represents a huge shift for both the Portuguese coach and his club, as they have already shown a more fun and cheerful attitude when compared to last season.
But what exactly has Mourinho changed?
If all my years playing Football Manager has told me anything, it’s that a player's morale can often dictate the result of a game. Psychology plays a huge role in the modern game and being a good man manager is just as important as the tactics you employ, which is why many consider Sir Alex Ferguson as the greatest ever.
In his team's, Mourinho has always had a guy who had his unquestionable trust. Usually it would be a player with the most influence, someone who the other players would look up to as a leader. At Porto he had Deco, while at Chelsea Frank Lampard was his man. Then once again at Inter he had Samuel Eto’o.
The same happened at United last season when the responsibility fell on Zlatan Ibrahimovic to become Mourinho’s talisman. At 35-years-old, the Swede had a major impact on the morale of the squad by inspiring some of the younger players such as Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford with his unique brand of humour and mischief.
Despite slumping to a sixth place finish in the league, United still managed to come away with two trophies (three if you include the Community Shield) and secured Champions League qualification. With Zlatan on the sidelines, Mourinho needed a new guy to take his place and this season that responsibility has been placed firmly at the talented feet of Paul Pogba.
On the pitch everything goes through the Frenchman; he dictates the way United play and he’s been given the freedom to do more thanks to new boy Nemanja Matic. Off the pitch, he’s become the club’s poster boy and his positive, fun-loving attitude has rubbed off on other players like Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and even perennial non-smiler Anthony Martial.
Mourinho has created an environment of trust and positivity for his players. When Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were dropped in games last season, it was done so for their benefit and already it looks to have paid off. The same too with Marouane Fellaini who often became a scapegoat, but instead of hanging him out to dry Jose doubled down and insisted that the Belgian was an integral part of his plans.
While these gestures may seem small on the surface, they’re actually a part of a much bigger culture that Mourinho has created in that his players will run through brick walls if he demands it. Compare that to David Moyes and Louis van Gaal’s respective tenures, and you can see there’s a clear difference in the team. They’re happy again.
Now obviously it would be ridiculous to suggest the title race is over and done with after just two games, but already you can see there’s a huge change in mentality at the club - both on and off the pitch. After years of being out in the wilderness without Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, it seems as though United have found their natural successor in Jose Mourinho.
