"I'm happy Old Trafford is a fortress again," Erik ten Hag uttered in glowing terms after his Manchester United side dealt Brentford only their second league defeat in 17 games last week.
And while it may seem premature to consider Old Trafford as formidable as it once was, there is plenty of evidence to suggest 'The Theatre of Dreams' is on the way to becoming just that for United again. You only have to look as far as their record across 28 games on home turf this season: 23 have been won, and only two defeats have been dealt to United.
The last time United lost at home was all the way back in September against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, and that came courtesy of a dubious penalty amid strange circumstances, with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II having been announced a matter of hours prior.
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Looking solely at the league, United are third and much closer to the top two when just home games are considered. They trail Arsenal by two points and Manchester City by one, albeit the latter have a home game in hand. Still, it is clear that they have the home form of title challengers.
There is a significant disparity between their records on home turf and away from home: they have picked up 16 more points at home in one more league game, with a positive goal difference of 19 a stark contrast to -12 on the road.
The likelihood is United would be nowhere without their home form - they may not still be in two knockout competitions having won the other. But, alternatively, you could look at it as a display of their capabilities, and that a reflection of their home form on their travels would lead to them being genuine title contenders.
Regardless, the importance of their displays at Old Trafford this season cannot be understated. It reflects, and has in part fuelled, the renewed positivity around the club.
Standout wins, including against Liverpool, Arsenal, City and Tottenham Hotspur in the league, and Barcelona in the Europa League, have been achieved. And wins have come in a variety of manners too, whether United have outplayed opponents or been propelled to hold onto leads.
In any case, Old Trafford feels different - a few decibels louder than last season and without the hostility that crept in at times. Especially under Ralf Rangnick at the latter end of last term, boos and jeers weren't uncommon as frustration grew. But that hostility has dissipated this season, with the whole mood altered around the club.
The improved atmosphere will undoubtedly be motivating for the players, whether to attack games or hold on when under the cosh, and with this support comes improved performances that will further fuel the ambience at Old Trafford.
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Much of the positivity around the club stems from the fans feeling much more connected to the players and the manager. For one, the attitude of the group has been transformed, with the increased commitment of the players resonating with the fans.
Overall, there is much more interaction between supporters and both Ten Hag and his players. The manager will often turn to applaud each corner of the stadium pre-match and after half-time, marking a big change from last season, when Ten Hag's interim predecessor, Rangnick, would often emerge from the tunnel unnoticed.
Players will often now do a lap around the pitch at full-time, ensuring to applaud fans even on the odd occasions where results don't go their way at home. After games, you will always get a selection of players willing to take time to greet fans, taking selfies and signing autographs.
A rousing, standing ovation for Christian Eriksen as he came to warm up, and again as he entered the field of play for a late second half cameo, against Everton on Saturday felt an exemplification of the restored adoration fans have for the players.
The support stretches to all players too inside the stadium, with none of the excessive negativity towards individuals that you will see on social media. Harry Maguire is respected as the club's captain by the Old Trafford crowd - not given the same tough time unfairly dealt to him by the online portion of the fanbase. And, lo and behold, Maguire performed honourably with the backing of the fans.
The centre-back has become more sporadic this season given a lack of suitability to playing in a high defensive line as Ten Hag desires, in part due to not being the most mobile. Still, he is a highly competent option able to slot in for Raphael Varane when required, with an ability to play in a high-possession system and successfully contest duels. He will have value if United look to move him on, contrary to the unjust belief of some.
"This is a different Harry Maguire to what I've seen in the first weeks and months," Ten Hag justified. "He's taking so much initiative, dominating his opponent, stepping in, bringing passes, so a really great performance from Harry."
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United's win over Everton displayed why they have become so endearing to the Old Trafford crowd, who were buoyed by a fast start from their team. The players were similarly invigorated by the supporters, showing adrenaline-fuelled intensity.
A willingness to get stuck in has become a staple - something shown by Antony in the early stages against Everton as he tracked back to make a bold, robust tackle inside his own penalty area. With the crowd behind them, the players' commitment only increases further.
On the ball, relentless, exciting football unsettled Everton. Ten Hag has instilled an entertaining, expansive brand of football - more intact with the values of United as a club - that fans are attracted to, and they look inspired to sustain this pressure when at home.
Rashford showed drive to beat James Tarkowski to a ball in behind in the early stages against Everton, using his body to beat the defender and get through on goal. Deployed as the No.9 for the second match in succession, offering different dimensions to Wout Weghorst with his runs in behind in addition to a growing presence in the box. He was unfortunate not to score on a few occasions.
Squandered opportunities was a theme for United. Their 21 first half shots were the most that have been managed in a Premier League first half since records began, with 20 of those coming to nothing despite countless openings. By full-time, eight big chances had been created, and 29 shots, with 11 on-target, was United's most in a single league game this season.
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Space was exploited well by United, with Everton run ragged. Balls in behind, especially over the top of the Everton defence, were one particularly effective outlet, chiefly from Bruno Fernandes, as United exploited space. David de Gea even almost picked up an assist for Antony, though the Brazilian had a difficult game in terms of execution.
United dominated through proactivity, albeit also displaying composure and delivering some assured football. They eventually broke the deadlock through Scott McTominay after 36 minutes - testament to their endeavour to keep plugging away after missed opportunities - following a run into the box that he had made on a couple of occasions having been given freedom.
Rashford showed persistence to keep possession amid a crowd of bodies before eventually offloading to Jadon Sancho, who marked a tidy performance with an excellent display of awareness to thread the ball to McTominay to beat Jordan Pickford at the near post.
United were placed under unnecessary pressure by failing to take their chances, with Everton threatening somewhat into the second half. But United haven't dropped a point from a winning position this season, and they displayed defiance to overcome any brief spells of duress.
Despite some more headway for Everton, United didn't really look like squandering their advantage and sealed the deal through substitute Anthony Martial, partially due to Seamus Coleman failing to intercept a Lisandro Martinez long ball but nonetheless a result of their attacking intent. It was ultimately Rashford that supplied Martial with a square ball, shortly before he had to depart with a concerning groin injury.
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United's home form, as displayed against Everton, has been a necessity among their faults away from home. They have proven capable of displaying some really good performances that undo opponents, and this now needs to be translated to on the road.
A major positive that will come from this season is that Old Trafford is on its way back to being feared by away teams again, with United emerging from a phase where that certainly wasn't the case.
Old Trafford is certainly on the road to becoming a fortress again.
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