Man United are back. How many times have we heard that before?
United's victory against Fulham on Sunday marks United's third victory in a row. In a way, it was the most impressive victory of all three, quite the statement given the fact United's last two games were against rivals Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal.
United took the lead in the first half with a Casemiro header, and doubled their lead with a smart Matheus Cunha finish early in the second half. Spirits were high around Old Trafford, and United were in control of the game.
Then, as it so often has this season, United's control began to unravel. Fulham won a penalty which was converted, and then Fulham winger Kevin curled in a fantastic strike from outside the box. It seemed like the optimism had been sucked out of Old Trafford in a matter of minutes.
It's a textbook United capitulation, one we've seen many times this season. But this time, United didn't lie down and give up. Just minutes later, Bruno Fernandes found Benjamin Sesko in the box, who turned and struck the ball into the top corner, snatching the three points back for United.
It was another incredible moment for the Old Trafford crowd. The whole team, including half the sub's bench, ran to the corner to celebrate with Sesko, a player who truly needed the confidence boost given his difficult start to life at United.
The camera feed cut to Sir Alex Ferguson up in the stands, applauding with a huge smile on his face. Man United had channelled 'Fergie Time' again.
Could United's win against Fulham finally be the turning point?
United's last two victories had been incredible achievements all to themselves. The game against City was a psychological victory: United had been spiralling out of control in the weeks and months prior. They were out of both domestic cups, with no European football, and had just sacked their manager. United pulled themselves out of the misery and managed a huge victory.
United's win against Arsenal was even better. United were serious underdogs going to the Emirates, and played with confidence and bravery, taking the win against the best team in the country.
Both games could've been credited as a turning point for United. Both games started calls that 'United were back', back among the best in the country, back where they belong. Many times, United fans have heard that, believed it, and been disappointed when it became clear when that promise of hope and future glory went unfulfilled.
In December 2024, United beat Man City at the Etihad Stadium in a smash-and-grab victory, and everyone declared it a turning point for the Red Devils. In the following month, United won 0 games out of 6, including losses to Newcastle, Wolves and Bournemouth. It was yet another false dawn.
Man United now have another potential fulcrum point for their history. A chance for United to change the tone of conversation at the club. Sesko's goal showed a change to United and their mindset, more than either of the games against City or Arsenal: United refused to lie down. United were faced with another capitulation, and this time they didn't let it happen.
It could be that United's form in the past few weeks is another false dawn, and United will fall into their old habits again come next week. The cries of 'United are back' could prove to be silly in hindsight once again. But these games were not won with luck. They were won with talent, resilience, and hard work, mixed with a healthy dose of Man United magic.