MANCHESTER (England) -- Manchester United fans will not find a better opening day than this.
After a 5-1 victory over Leeds United, Old Trafford was full.
United lost to Crystal Palace in the first round of the last season because they were struggling in the transfer market. One year later, the mood was completely different.
- ESPN+ viewers' guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)
Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. Only)
- Do you not have ESPN? Get instant access
Solskjaer said that it was a "perfect day." "It was a great day, just driving in with fans outside. You come inside and feel that energy. It has been amazing."
It was always going be a memorable occasion, with many supporters returning for the first game since March 8, 2020. But, a day that began with early pies was elevated when Raphael Varane, a new centre-back, walked onto the pitch. He was officially a United player following his move from Real Madrid. This was only a warm-up.
The real show began when Bruno Fernandes scored his hat trick, and Paul Pogba added four assists to his Euros record. The highlight was Mason Greenwood's 40-yard goal pass. Fred scored the fifth goal, and there was still 15 minutes for Jadon Sancho, a new signing at the finish.
After his missed penalty against Italy, he was greeted enthusiastically by Leeds fans. But when the whistle blew, it was Sancho & Solskjaer who were giggling.
It looked as though Leeds might ruin the party for a moment, but Luke Ayling launched a rocket past David De Gea and made it 1-1. Solskjaer was thrilled to see his team respond with three goals within eight minutes to win the game.
Man United's season started well with a win over Leeds of 5-1. Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood and Bruno Fernandes all played prominent roles. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
United won their first home league game in December last year, a run Solskjaer said ruined any realistic title challenge. But this season they are on the rise.
It could have been a difficult game against a team that was considered the best in the league, with the benefit of a full season. But United made it seem easy.
Solskjaer said, "You must enjoy the pressure of playing before 75,000 Man United fans and millions of TV viewers." "I knew they would work hard, but I was unsure about their fitness levels. Leeds is a high-intensity team. We worked the way we did, and that was important. Then you can smile at the end.
Varane's walk onto the pitch just moments before kick-off raised the noise level in Old Trafford, but it was nothing to the thunderous roar that United generated when they won.
Pogba made a smart pass towards Fernandes. He took one touch to stabilize himself, then another to hit his shot with his left leg. Leeds goalkeeper Illan Melier managed to get a good chunk of the ball but it was not enough to stop it from bouncing over the line. Fernandes made it the fifth appearance in Old Trafford's first-ever fixture since January 2020. He did the best with a corner kick. After a fast-paced first 30 minutes, both teams were pushed forward by supporters.
Every time either team crossed the halfway mark, there was a loud swell of sound. Even a suggestion of contact led to referee Paul Tierney being harassed from all sides of the stadium. He probably wished he could be back behind closed doors. Fernandes felt more at home in the presence of 72,000 supporters. After Greenwood had made it 2:2, just 4 minutes after Leeds' equaliser, Fernandes scored two goals to become the first United player ever to score a hat-trick on the opening day.
Pogba created Fred and Greenwood's goals and made the first two. He was the seventh player to achieve this feat in one contest. He has only managed three assists in his two previous seasons.
Solskjaer said, "Paul has that vision and that quality." "I am aware that headlines will likely be about Bruno and Paul, but this is a team effort."
Ed Woodward sent a message to returning fans of the programme stating that Manchester United's objective is to compete for the highest trophies. He said that the team was made up of top-class recruits, based on the best local talent. The plan was born that afternoon.
