United, after all, had been in reasonably good form and the talk following matches with lesser teams was often of regeneration.

Alex Ferguson will turn to old hands for the Champions League match against Benfica, despite the youngsters having inspired the club’s flying start.

Manchester United will be without five senior players for their Champions League group match away to CSKA Moscow on Wednesday.

Manchester United secured their first win of the season on Monday, turning on an impressive passing display to beat Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park.