Manchester United maintained their perfect start to the season with a 2-0 win over Southampton at Old Trafford thanks to two goals from Zlatan Ibrahimović. It was a comfortable win for United on the night when Paul Pogba made his return to Old Trafford and United unveiled their summer signings to the home crowd.

Here are three talking points from the game:

Manchester United are truly back

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United fans have longed for attacking football and trophies. The most glaring display of their nostalgia was their public disagreements with LVG’s slow style of play and their booming shouts of “attack, attack, attack” when Van Gaal dominated possession through sideways passing. United fans have been so desperate for a return to the glory days that any sign of attacking football or an extended winning streak was punctuated with loud exclamations of “we are back.” We said it during Ryan Giggs’ short-term spell as manager and during LVG’s spring revival two years ago. Most recently, when United over-turned a 2-0 deficit in the Europa League against Midtjylland, fans believed the revival had begun and it was going to be led by youth, just like the Class of ’92.

Forget the past. This time, Manchester United are really back. It is early to make statements about the rest of the season given that this might be the most competitive season yet, but Manchester United have a swagger and arrogance about them again that dissipated when Ferguson left. From the moment United stepped out of the terminal, they looked like a Ferguson side—full of confidence, personalities, and attacking intent. The stadium erupted and maintained a loud voice throughout the game, just like before. The fans are enjoying themselves again.

Most importantly, United are attacking again and attacking a lot. Martial, Rooney, Valencia, Shaw ran at Southampton for most of the game. United look dangerous on the counter, something that went missing under Van Gaal. It was a complete United performance, full of flair and chances. Every time United were in Southampton’s half, there was an expectation that a goal was imminent. United struggled to create chances and goals under LVG.

United were comfortable without possession, another big departure from the Van Gaal era. In yesterday’s game, United managed 43% possession, but had 12 shots. There were many times under LVG when United had over 55% possession but failed to register a shot on target.

Manchester United new signings have been crucial in creating this new sense of indomitability. At the back, Bailly has shown himself to be a fearless, like Vidic, Ferguson’s last true warrior. In the middle, Pogba has added athleticism and unmatched energy. Against Southampton, Pogba offered a glimpse of his talent, by making dashing runs, by showing incredible agility and by exerting a major influence on the passage of play. In attack, Ibrahimović, like Eric Cantona and/or RVP, has announced himself already by scoring 3 in 2 games and with some cheeky moves. Zlatan brings fear and experience. Mhiktaryan, although yet to play a full game, like Paul Scholes, has shown real intelligence and an ability to read the game.

There will be stern tests ahead, but they will not alter the attacking style Mourinho has imposed. There is still room for improvement. With time and practice, United will be very ruthless again and making Old Trafford a place that evokes fear again.

Mata and Fellaini are here to stay

Juan Mata and Maroune Fellaini were probably atop most lists of who will leave United when Mourinho was announced. The Spaniard’s previous spell under Mourinho lasted only half-season when he went from being Chelsea’s player of the season in the previous year to a bench warmer; Mourinho felt Mata did not work hard enough. The possibility of Mata’s departure was heightened with the acquisition of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, a man with many of Mata’s attributes, but with incredible pace and willingness to work hard and with better numbers in terms of assists and goals.

So far, Mata has started both of United’s games. He scored United’s opener against Bournemouth. Mata will stay at United and will be an integral part of Mourinho’s plan. In these two games, Mata has impressed with beautiful penetrating passes and movement in the final third. He has also shown an ability to drop deep and defend, obviously in a bid to impress Mourinho. Mata was seen at the right back position more than twice against Southampton and did a good job closing down Southampton’s Redmond in the box, a move that forced an off-target shot less than 10 yards from the goal.

Mourinho’s biggest surprise so far has been the inclusion of Fellaini in United’s squad and to use him as a holding midfielder. Against Bournemouth, Fellaini was used alongside Herrera. Against Southampton, alongside Pogba. It is a strange decision given that Schneiderlin, Carrick, and Schweinsteiger are better suited for the role. With Pogba assured of a starting berth, Fellaini look set to be a regular fixture. Fellaini is not a natural defensive midfielder. His previous spell in that role under Moyes (where he was paired with Carrick) was a disaster because both men lacked pace. With Pogba’s ability to move quickly around the field, Fellaini could fare better this time by just sitting and becoming a destroyer. Against Southampton, he was solid and stuck to his opponents. He did not make rash challenges and made easy, but effective passes. According to Squawka, Fellaini has 94% passing accuracy over two games. Fellaini is a goal threat compared to those who are competing against him, which makes him more likely to remain with the squad.

It will be a bold decision by Mourinho to maintain Fellaini in that role and as a starter. With Schweinsteiger on his way out, Schneiderlin will be a better choice. Even Carrick will be better despite his age, but for now, it seems Mourinho wants Fellaini.

Rooney is becoming good again

Rooney was another player whose future was the subject of intense discussions when Mourinho took over. After years of being used in different roles and at times simply accommodated because of seniority, no one knew what Mourinho was going to do with Rooney. When Ibrahimović arrived and Mourinho reaffirmed his decision to keep Rashford, we knew the center forward role was not an option for Rooney. Mourinho also made it clear Rooney will not be used as a midfielder (as LVG was fond of doing last season to accommodate Rashford and Martial in the same squad). Rooney has been deployed as United’s no.10 in a 4-2-3-1 system and so far seems to be back at levels close to his old self. Rooney recorded a goal against Bournemouth and set up Zlatan’s goal with a beautiful cross. In United’s last game, Rooney was seen roaming across the pitch and dictating the game. He showed intensity and desire off the ball. Rooney appears to be forming a good partnership with Ibrahimović, a partnership that could propel Rooney to score many goals this season. Because old habits don’t die easily, Rooney occasionally dropped deep in midfield to conduct the flow of the play. Mourinho won’t mind as long as United are winning.