There is always a roar and outbreak of rapturous applause when the teams emerge from the Old Trafford tunnel. But there is now something that causes amplification of that volume: the appearance of Erik ten Hag as he makes his way down the touchline.
It is now ritual that he turns to face all corners of the stadium, waving to and applauding the masses in attendance. This is reciprocated by supporters, who now share the sense of having a manager that they can truly get behind.
The connection between fans and the manager has already returned - there is clear respect for the work Ten Hag is doing to turn around the fortunes of their club, which had been stuck in a spiral of decline.
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Ten Hag's Manchester United side admittedly didn't start well against Leicester City on Sunday afternoon, and the manager went as far as describing the first half as "rubbish" post-match.
He often cuts a studious, almost serene, figure as he observes the action, but he can be animated if he sees something that he doesn't like and feels the need to intervene. And for large portions of the early stages against Leicester, he was outside of his technical area as he willed his team to calm down after an unsettled start.
He isn't quite as expressive, but Ten Hag was almost Mikel Arteta-like in his demonstrative nature on the touchlines on occasion. He was doing his utmost to guide his team through a difficult period in the match.
United looked unsettled when Leicester were in possession and weren't particularly assured with the ball themselves; without Casemiro, who was in attendance at Old Trafford, they still lacked some control and the game consequently descended into a more end-to-end affair.
Leicester showed a high intensity both on and off the ball, and Ten Hag was quick to demand more from his side at times. His arms were outstretched in bemusement when opposing left-back Victor Kristiansen wasn't put under any pressure at one stage in the opening period.
He often clapped his hands in a manner which was not intended to credit his players, instead instructing them to apply themselves to a greater degree. Much of his animation came when demanding a greater intensity from his side, including by willing them to play the ball quicker as well as calling for more pressing, for instance.
With Ten Hag so persistent in his demands during games, it is evident why his side look so much more drilled when pressing this term - he ingrains such principles in the minds of his players.
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Ten Hag also often pointed to where players should be, vocal as he instructed them as to how to better carry out their roles, where to make runs, and where to play passes when deemed necessary. He wants the perfect structure, for players to be positioned correctly, and for roles to be carried out flawlessly.
He keeps a keen eye on his players both on and off the ball and will immediately flag anything he sees that is supposedly awry. Flaws in his side are instantly picked up, and Ten Hag will work to correct such faults.
He is meticulous to the nth degree, spotting even little details that require adjustment during matches. This level of attention contributes to making him an expert in-game coach.
Against Leicester, he was specifically displeased with aspects such as the space left in behind and down the flanks for the opposition to attack into. He was often outside of his technical area in part due to the fact he was ordering his defence, who were defending the Stretford End, with a number of chances being shipped.
David de Gea had to be in top form in the first half, denying Harvey Barnes one-on-one before adding to his repertoire of saves with an outstanding denial of Kelechi Iheanacho, showing his reflex ability to scoop the headed effort away from goal.
De Gea would go on to equal Peter Schmeichel's club-record 180 clean sheets by full-time, reaffirming his legendary status at the club. He is one of the best shot-stoppers the game has ever seen, and while flaws with the ball at his feet are catching up to the extent that Ten Hag is using defenders to take goal-kicks, he continues to be important for United.
United's defence had to play their part too, with Lisandro Martinez combative as always and Victor Lindelof slotting in seamlessly for the rested Raphael Varane. The Swede made a selection of blocks and tackles that exemplified how far his game has developed since joining the club, with his highly reliable services crucial as a rotation option.
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During intervening times when United were in possession, their approach was positive in its intent but wayward in its execution at times. Leicester's defence seemed to have the easier time of things in phases, and Ten Hag proved he isn't adverse to displaying displeasure on occasions such as Marcel Sabitzer losing the ball after attempting an unnecessary flick.
Ten Hag is able to transition from his calm pose of his hands behind his back, or arms crossed, to frustration within a split second. He isn't at all afraid to berate his players when he feels it is required, which a refreshing indication of the fact that United have a manager who is authoritative and completely in control.
In any case, his sometimes demonstrative manner on the touchline is done in a constructive manner. He will often bring players to the touchline to give personal pointers during breaks in play, which was the case straight after United took a somewhat unjust lead - as Leicester will view it - midway through the first half.
It was an excellent transitional move from United, who initially won the ball around the halfway line after a display of intent from Sabitzer to be first to a loose ball. Bruno Fernandes then played an exceptional outside-foot through ball to Marcus Rashford, who was kept marginally onside by Harry Souttar.
Rashford, who was deployed in a central role again, made no mistake in his finish, putting the ball across Danny Ward from the right side of the penalty area - a position that he hasn't always thrived in.
Ten Hag briefly rose his arms in celebration before bringing Diogo Dalot straight over to discuss improvements that could be made rather than allowing him to go and celebrate. He is a manager always striving for more, shown further as he picked out the negatives of the first half post-match, even with United having ultimately eased to victory.
This is all valuable in avoiding complacency - something that can be detrimental for teams on upward trajectories like United. If you settle and don't look at the minus points, even on the best of days, then improvement will stagnate.
It is obviously unclear exactly what Ten Hag said to Dalot, and it was more likely defensive pointers given Leicester's joy out wide at times. But not long after the go-ahead goal and the conversation with Ten Hag, the right-back surged forward, timed a pass to Fernandes well, and continued his run into the box and was unfortunate not to score a gilt-edged chance.
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Ten Hag spent a fair amount of time in his technical area - maybe more than usual. But there were still periods where he retreated to his dugout, where he can consult with his coaches, especially Mitchell van der Gaag, and gain a different vantage point.
He disappeared out of view in the latter stages of the first half, albeit he was still occasionally distinguishable as you saw him rise out of his seat. Even when on the bench, he will remonstrate with his colleagues and continue to give pointers to players.
He is a manager highly connected to the action, going through the motions with his players. A different edge emerged in the two games prior to facing Leicester too, where he felt aggrieved by refereeing decisions. His protests against Barcelona saw him receive a yellow card.
He did reappear shortly before half-time for a brief moment, but that was likely so he was in a position to jog down the tunnel to greet his players in the changing room. He was obviously in a hurry to get inside given he seemed to be far from content with his side's showing and the fact they were probably fortunate to be leading and not trailing.
As he returned following the break, he again acknowledged each corner of Old Trafford and guided fans to up the noise levels as he strode back to his perch in the dugout.
He needed his side to be reinvigorated after the contest that ensued in the first half, and his attentive observation throughout the first half clearly shaped changes he made at the juncture.
The attacking set-up was reconfigured, with Rashford moving from his central role to the left, Wout Weghorst switching from a No.10 to No.9 role, and Jadon Sancho replacing a fairly anonymous Alejandro Garnacho to play the attacking midfield role. Bruno Fernandes was the common denominator, staying in his new right-sided berth.
There is clear keenness from Ten Hag for his players to be able to play multiple roles, causing unpredictability for opponents given the variety of ways that his side are able to set up.
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There were chances for United early in the second half as Ten Hag's alterations promptly proved effective, with Martinez hitting the crossbar with a header from a Luke Shaw free-kick before a dizzying run from Rashford, which included a nutmeg, forced Ward into a save.
Rashford showed his versatility again: he is able to play through the middle and in right-sided areas while also still being at home on the left - the side from which he doubled United's advantage after a proactive start to the second half.
Ten Hag's decision to switch Rashford to the left paid dividends, with Fred taking a quick touch before passing down the line to Rashford following an initial ball out from Martinez. Rashford made no mistake with his finish, displaying his ability from different angles after again timing his run perfectly - a ruling made by VAR after initially deeming him offside.
Testament to Ten Hag and his staff's coaching, Rashford is much more composed in front of goal than he ever has been; he takes time to set himself before striking, meaning he no longer snatches at chances and is considerably more clinical.
Despite his involvement in the goal, Ten Hag still stuck to his prior plans and withdrew Fred to reintroduce Scott McTominay after a period sidelined through injury. Even during the VAR review and subsequent celebrations, Ten Hag didn't get distracted and was in conversation with McTominay.
He also beckoned Sabitzer over to speak about his duty once Fred was taken off, evidencing his laser focus on what is next rather than getting carried away with having scored. Sabitzer played well himself, always looking to play the ball forward and offering a high level of commitment and intensity.
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United continued to play free-flowing football following on from their lead being doubled, with Ten Hag's half-time team talk seeming to have a significant effect. United played with the shackles off and with newfound confidence, both intricate and incisive in their play, engineering combinations epitomising the understanding between players.
This incision was shown as they scored a third, starting with Martinez winning the ball back around the halfway line and climaxing with Sancho playing the ball wide to Fernandes before continuing his run into the box and finishing first time with his left foot after receiving the ball back.
The camaraderie within the team was shown as Sancho was embraced by his teammates. Ten Hag - a mentor for Sancho having orchestrated the training plan that he underwent during his three-month absence - stood in a proud fashion.
Sancho's involvement was further evidence of the effectiveness of Ten Hag's alterations, with his second half performance standout in his remodelled No.10 role, where his excellence in tight spaces his made clear. He continues to look as though his confidence has been restored, with much more positivity in his football.
Fernandes was similarly standout, creating nine chances, which is levelled only once in the Premier League this season - by himself against Tottenham Hotspur. He has grown in efficiency on the right after initially lacking involvement when deployed there, once again proving himself pivotal as a creative hub, excelling within the right half-space, where he is able to make the most of having more passing angles.
Weghorst's role in the goal was also notable: his movement created the space for Sancho to receive the ball in as Wout Faes was dragged out of position. He has offered plenty for United, including as a link player and through his defensive output, which saw him make two important slide tackles. Goals are all that is lacking, and his hard work warrants scoring.
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One thing made clear through observation of Ten Hag on the touchline was the connection he has with his players. Every time a substitution was made, he embraced the player coming off; it would have been easy for the likes of Shaw and Rashford to want to stay on with United on the front foot, but they both exited without complaint ahead of a big week of matches.
Even at full-time, straight after shaking hands with Brendan Rodgers, he returned to embrace all of the players leaving the United bench before greeting those on the pitch - a clear sign of his will to maintain squad harmony. It is increasingly apparent that he is an expert man-manager.
Amid the constructive criticism he wasn't afraid to dish out, he would also applaud players when it was warranted. Kobbie Mainoo made his Premier League debut off the bench at only 17 years old, and Ten Hag was clearly impressed by a sliding block made by the midfielder.
Mainoo was incredibly mature in his play, both passing and carrying with confidence. His dedication is such that he played 90 minutes for the under-21s in their goalless draw away to Crystal Palace less than 24 hours later.
There were more signs that Ten Hag was at ease during the second half, with the football doing the talking at times with his side brimming with belief. He will have been impressed by the ability shown to break down the Leicester defence with an array of moves, with this attacking approach limiting the opposition and not calling for as many refinements.
The comfort became such that the Old Trafford crowd brandished the "ole" after "ole" after a slick exchange between Sancho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. It was abundantly clear why Xavi lauded Ten Hag as being a reference point for offensive-minded coaches.
However, it still wasn't all positivity from Ten Hag as the match progressed into its latter stages. He remained keen to continue deliberation with his players and staff at times, continuing to bellow instructions and push for even more from his side.
Even into injury time, he gesticulated at certain things. His notebook was in his hands as late as the 90th minute.
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Once the full-time whistle blew, Ten Hag was serenaded as he exited the pitch. And by this point, the second leg against Barca was already on his mind as he once again tried to lift the crowd beyond their already rapturous levels, shouting something as he left down the tunnel.
"I said: 'Come Thursday, it's a big game, make sure you are there and we beat Barcelona together'," Ten Hag confirmed when asked about his rally cry. He is always thinking about the future and the next task, which is a progressive mindset that will get United very far.
His final parting gift of the day was a honk of his car horn as he left the stadium about 90 minutes after full-time. Faulty bollards saw him stuck for a minute or so before he drove off into the sunset, no doubt to watch Barca's 2-0 win over Cadiz as he prepares for Thursday.
He is setting the tone for this United rebuild with his management skills, and they are ahead of schedule in this process as a result.
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