A change in the dugout did the Red Devils a world of good during a trip to Cardiff, with a flying start seeing them take control of the contest
Manchester United have hit a 13-month high under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the new man at the helm making an immediate impact during a trip to Cardiff.
With the Red Devils having taken the decision to part with Jose Mourinho, cover was required in a high-profile post.
Treble winner Solskjaer was the man chosen to take the reins, with the Norwegian agreeing an initial interim deal through to the end of the season.
His return to Old Trafford was welcomed by many, with a clean slate offered to an underperforming squad.
In a quirk of fate, his first game in charge of United took him back to the familiar surroundings of Cardiff – the scene of his only previous coaching post in British football.
Solskjaer would have been hoping to make a bright start, but the speed at which his new side burst out of the blocks probably came as a surprise even to him.
Marcus Rashford recorded the first goal of a new era inside three minutes, before Ander Herrera doubled United’s lead before the half-hour mark.
Victor Camarasa pulled one back for the Bluebirds from the penalty spot, but Anthony Martial restored the Red Devils’ two-goal advantage four minutes before half-time.
Fast starts are not something that United had been accustomed to under Mourinho, with over a year having passed since they last registered three efforts in the opening 45 minutes of any given Premier League fixture.
While Solskjaer was able to oversee a dream start to his reign, he is under no illusion as to the size of the challenge facing him in familiar surroundings.
United’s struggles under Mourinho have left them playing catch-up in the race for top-four finishes.
Victory over Cardiff will, however, be a positive step in the right direction.
With the games coming tick and fast over the festive period, there will be further opportunities to close on the Champions League places before the end of the year.
If the Red Devils can continue to burst out of the blocks like they did against the Bluebirds, then they may soon have top-flight rivals looking anxiously over their shoulder.
Sammy2121
139
It’s not about the coaching if you asked me,the players got who want them to enjoy their game instead of being scared of making mistakes,they switch wings and they were so positive in their approach,all the players want to come out and play and enjoy the football,is like they are players that just came out of prison to the real world,I feel like they just don’t want to play for JM,they’re not in line with the kind of info and the statement that come from him anymore,they play football with so much sadness and it’s like going to a dreadful job in the morning,but this players want to be happy while playing than being sad,Pogba love JM,he wanted JM to change his style of play and info but JM take it as insult and things went bad bec the players notice this is not going to change,that’s when the mood became darker and darker,but I hope they keep on enjoying their football and I wish JM learn from this and come out with the best kind of football people never expected from him,I hope this is a win win at the end.
Chima92
104
I cant remember the last time i felt so much joy watching Man Utd play. this is what i have been saying, Man Utd jst needed a free flowing manager who understands these players! No more Negetive vibes!
kingcaleb
96
mourinho left with the bus so man u now playing attacking minded football
Chizyous1
86
Just look at the line up 😏
as_win10
81
Perfect start for a new era. Come on guys. Players are full of freedom and confidence. I am very happy with today's performance. GGMU
12UnitedGuyReborn
74
How Mourinho must feel right now
sabyaasem
58
Jose Muorinho 's effect
apkwill
57
Other top 6 fans right now after watching this match
Domcdkrt
41
Good start for the new manager..keep it up and we looking forward to more of what happened tonight in the next games