For all the talk of Manchester United's revival in recent weeks almost all of their Premier League victories at home have been unconvincing. But against Hull City at Old Trafford on Saturday they produced their most accomplished performance of the season, and it bodes well for Louis van Gaal's evolution of this side.
Against the likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham and Everton United haven't effectively controlled matches on home turf, despite acquiring the points on all three occasions. That trio of victories came virtue of a world class-selection of players pushing the result over the line in the face of opposition frustration. On all three occasions endeavour and a little bit of luck were required to reach the desired result.
In short, there was a lack of domination. After dismantling Hull, Van Gaal was at pains to use that word regularly in his post-match analysis, and with just cause.
"We have dominated the game from the first minute to the last minute," the Dutchman told reporters.
"It was our best match and when you see the full 90 minutes, we dominated, we created many chances and we didn't give any chances away.
"We are on the right way."
In stark contrast to those other performances, and indeed to those under David Moyes, Manchester United were utterly comfortable in every capacity. Hull heavily contributed to their own downfall with their ineptness in possession and blanket disorganisation, happy to cede territory in hope of grimly holding on.
But United have been left exasperated in similar circumstances post-Sir Alex, so it was refreshing to observe them step out with a confidence and incision that was simply too much for the visitors.
Even Angel Di Maria's early substitution through injury couldn't shake them from their stride; his replacement Ander Herrera was excellent, a metronome as efficient as they come. Juan Mata enjoyed operating as the furthest forward of the midfield line, while Wayne Rooney's killer goal before half-time was a typical effort that echoed the Rooney of old.
And Robin van Persie, under pressure and with performances particularly scrutinised, got the "wonderful goal" Van Gaal suggested might prove a boost to his morale. His clinical strike into the top corner sealed victory and earned him a standing ovation when replaced by Radamel Falcao – that in itself another positive for a manager whose options have been drastically limited by an injury list that never seems to recede.
Perhaps the performance and result over Arsenal seven days ago – the first away win for over seven months – has instilled belief in a squad tinged with fragility. Progress is always founded in results, and this was a third consecutive three points, but to be able to dictate the play so utterly moves the development of this Manchester United to the next level, benchmarking what they should be able to do to sides of Hull's calibre each and every time. Fans will begin to demand it, and the familiarity of United's incessant attacks from first minute to last as the anticipation builds will begin to reassemble. The fortress will rebuild.
Visiting boss Steve Bruce called it a "difficult afternoon", which puts him as front-runner for the understatement of the year award, and while his team were indeed poor, United were ruthless and unforgiving, even with only two recognised defenders on the field – one of which, Chris Smalling, has recovered with excellence following his red card calamity in the Manchester derby.
Van Gaal couldn't have asked for a more positive afternoon. As December approaches and the season settles into a pattern, it seems that after such upheaval, United are doing just the same. Fourth place, and on an upward trajectory; this is where they need to be.
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