When even Fred gets in on the goals, you know something strange is happening at Manchester United.
“I wasn't sure if I was going to be alive the next time he scored,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only half joked after the 5-0 win against Club Brugge.
But even on a night when the Brazil international struck twice – the Bruno Fernandes effect could not be ignored.
And it is Juan Mata, rather than Fred, who may be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the £47m January signing.
Rarely has the veteran playmaker looked so in-tune with another man in United red.
This was his best performance in recent memory – and a reminder of just how effective he can be when surrounded by like-minded players.
Mata has been decent, if not outstanding, since signing from Chelsea in 2014.
He is a clever, tidy user of the ball.
At his best, he can unlock defences with deft touches and incisive passing.
But on too many occasions, United simply haven’t been able to make the most of his specific skillset.
He has been a luxury. Too slow to play on the wing. Not imposing enough to hold down a role in central midfield or No10.
But his understanding with Fernandes after a just a few weeks working with the Portugal international has added a new dimension to his game.
Against an albeit limited Club Brugge, their link-up play was mesmerising at times – not least when combining to set up Odion Ighalo’s first goal for the club.
Fernandes collected the ball just outside the area and immediately looked up to see if there were any willing runners.
Mata had ghosted towards the touchline and received an inch-perfect pass right into his stride.
His cutback then found Ighalo, who converted from close range.
It was the type of move and goal that has rarely been seen by United in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
It was almost Pep Guardiola-esque.
And this is only the beginning of a burgeoning relationship.
Fernandes was untouchable again for United. A constant menace in the final third.
For the second game in succession Daniel James was a threat on the left.
Scott McTominay, looking right back up to speed after knee ligament damage, also thrived in combination with Fernandes, while Fred, too, has found a No10 who creates space in and around the box.
But it was the manner in which he dovetailed with Mata that will be most tantalising for Solskjaer.
The United manager is having to make do and mend in the absence of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba – with Anthony Martial the latest casualty with a knee injury.
There is an element of having to fill spaces with available bodies.
Solskjaer will make a right winger one of his summer transfer priorities, which will further limit Mata’s opportunities. But if this was a sign of things to come between the 31-year-old and Fernandes, it may be impossible to ignore.
Brugge couldn’t handle their slick interplay and it will be fascinating to see how Premier League defences cope with it.
With a fully fit squad, would Solskjaer be prepared to set up his team with two playmakers behind a striker, more akin to the formation that has worked so well for Manchester City under Guardiola?
Should no one be prepared to meet United’s £150m asking price for Paul Pogba, it could be a system to finally get the best out of the Frenchman, too.
Such is Fernandes’ impact on his teammates in such a short space of time, it is intriguing to know how he would link up with the £89m midfielder.
That is a question for another day.
Right now it is Mata in pole position to reap the rewards of Fernandes’ arrival.
The pair were instrumental in what was only the second time United have scored five goals at home since Ferguson’s retirement.
The score-line didn’t flatter Solskjaer’s side. Fernandes forced two saves from Simon Mignolet, before scoring his second penalty in succession. Mata and James had good opportunities too.
United played with a verve rarely seen during a troubled six and a half years.
It takes nights like this to remind yourself that this was how it used to be – regardless of Club Brugge’s obvious failings.
United have made hard work of teams much worse than the Belgians – who drew 2-2 against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu this season.
Fernandes has brought a swagger back to the club and looks like a signing in-keeping with the rich traditions of Old Trafford.
As a consequence, Mata does, too.
