Ten years after Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United, things seem to be moving in the right direction.
Victory over Bournemouth - over the weekend, which marked 10 years since Fergie's last game - has secured their European lead in next season's Champions League, with a trophy in their pockets and muscles. Guild takes second place in two weeks. .
After false dawns and brief forays under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, Erik ten Hag is finally looking fit and figuring out what it takes to bring this club back to the era. splendor.
Ten Hag bought well, as evidenced by Casemiro's dominance on the decisive finish, set up by Christian Eriksen, here on the south coast.
The Dutchman also has current players, such as Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, playing at their peak, while eliminating poor attitudes across the team. It took a decade, but there are standards at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag is confident of finishing in a Champions League spot, although their lousy away record adds to the pressure on trips like these.
So an early goal, after just nine minutes, eased the tension and was delivered by one of Man Utd's most reliable players.
Casemiro has been a find in Ten Hag's midfield this season, with the former Real Madrid man comfortably signing their most important and influential contract.
The Brazilian is dominating and commanding like a few others, and has now added cycling shots to his portfolio.
Renowned as a midfield monster, Casemiro displayed quick reactions and light feet to make his acrobatic attempt at home.
Christian Eriksen flicks the ball beautifully across Bournemouth, Marcos Senesi's light touch sending the ball to the perfect height for Casemiro.
Bournemouth came back slowly, although David De Gea brilliantly saved a low and deflected shot from Dominic Solanke.
De Gea's clean sheet here was his 17th of the Premier League season, helping the Spaniard - who has yet to agree a new deal at Old Trafford - claim his second Golden Glove award. two in his career.
Luck took Bournemouth's tail to the sky. David Brooks, starting for the first time in 598 days after battling a cancer diagnosis, began to enter the game, undermining Ryan Christie, whose efforts had stalled.
The Wales international also came close to his first goal since returning, but his effort was thwarted by De Gea shortly after the game restarted.
Bournemouth have attacked, playing with the freedom that security offers.
The Cherries taunted their critics before the match began with a video clip of pundits and social media stars, including Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, urging them to return to the Championship. immediate enemy.
Doubts have been resolved and with new American ownership, even better times await at Vitality. But as Gary O'Neil's side looked to make a comeback, United remained in control - although there were clear signs of what was needed in the summer.
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