It is well-documented United passed on Antonio Conte during that long week of contemplation after the 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool nearly a year ago and, in inflicting a 3-0 defeat on Tottenham, signalled the end of Nuno Espirito Santo's brief reign, ushering in Conte at Spurs.
Spurs qualified for the Champions League and United are in the Europa League. Spurs are third and United, seven points behind, are fifth. A 10-point gap between the teams before the clocks have gone back would be significant.
Erik ten Hag was among the myriad of coaches Spurs interviewed in the summer of 2021 as they struggled to settle on a permanent replacement for Jose Mourinho. The word was Ten Hag lacked charisma, which made the concise Nuno, whose programme notes were shorter than a Liz Truss press conference, an all the more peculiar appointment.
"I never talk about interest or what else," Ten Hag said on Tuesday. "Also, it’s not interesting. I am here. I am happy to be here and I want to get the best out of here."
Ten Hag had admirers at Manchester City as well and he has shown he belongs in the Premier League by claiming the scalps of Liverpool and Arsenal. Spurs would be another.
United's attack collapsed before it officially started with the timing of Anthony Martial's first injury. His brittleness has restricted him to one Premier League start this term and Martial lasted 29 minutes at Everton.
The attack revolved around Martial in pre-season when Ten Hag plumped for continuity with his front three and he has been largely deprived of the Frenchman, who has missed nine of United's 13 games and tonight will be the tenth.
Whoever leads the line for United, the choice is imperfect: Cristiano Ronaldo has two goals in 14 appearances, Marcus Rashford scores when he is on the left and Martial is becoming as brittle as his compatriot and No.9 predecessor, Louis Saha.
Ronaldo was either too deep or too far ahead of the last man against Newcastle and his withdrawal was hardly a jolt. One would write Ronaldo off at their peril. He had one goal in 10 when Spurs arrived at Old Trafford last season and plundered a hat-trick.
It would be a surprise if Scott McTominay is completely unused tonight. What he lacks he offsets with attitude and he would have imposed himself more than Fred did against Newcastle.
Casemiro has started the last four games and retaining him with Christian Eriksen would be logical but McTominay was the difference between United and Spurs at Old Trafford in 2019 and he has been decent in North London in recent seasons.