Just two home matches into the season, Manchester United’s home record is vastly improved.
United won only nine of 19 home matches in the Premier League last season.
With fans back, United look a different side, bolstered by key new signings.
United have started particularly strongly, scoring five goals against Leeds and then four against Newcastle.
The turnaround has been impressive. In two games this season United have scored nine goals.
Last season United scored only three goals in the first six home league games.
A six-goal deluge against Leeds took that figure to nine in seven matches, equalling the figure scored by this United side in just two.
This was exactly the type of improvement Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to see. If United are going to win the title this season, a dominant home record is vital.
Among United’s trickier home games at the start of last season featured matches against Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
All these tests are yet to come. But there were also underwhelming results against lesser teams like Crystal Palace, West Brom, and Arsenal, in which United struggled to score.
That looks much less likely this season with United scoring for fun in the early home matches.
This will bring confidence and belief among the team, which will rub off on the crowd. Old Trafford will become a place opposing sides fear visiting again.
The fear factor visiting Old Trafford was lost for away teams as early as the David Moyes era in 2013/14, right after Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Last season’s home record was very poor, but the team look to be back on track, helped by returning talisman Ronaldo.
The stadium is becoming a fortress again and a strong home record is going to be key to a successful campaign.
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