Signs of encouragement. Promises. Green shoots. That clearly reflects Manchester United's decline, when the reaction after the 0-1 defeat to Arsenal was no longer anger or mockery. Instead, there is encouragement. Once a team that spreads fear to opponents, now Man United arouse compassion.
However, there are still reasons to be optimistic. The two new recruits Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha sometimes created danger. Mason Mount shows his qualities and if he maintains his fitness, he can become an important factor. Patrick Dorgu dominated the right wing, while Amad Diallo left his mark when coming off the bench.
Arsenal had to rely on David Raya's excellence with seven saves to preserve the victory. Man United are also not short of chances. Opta's xG statistics even show that they are the team that deserves to win.
Man United fans may have found some comfort in the defeat to Arsenal. After many months of bad competition, this team looks better. But the truth is they still lost.
Perhaps luck for Ruben Amorim and his team when the next opponent is Fulham. Since 2009, Fulham have never beaten the "Red Devils" at home, winning just one draw in nine meetings.
For Man United, this is almost a safe fortress, recalling the memories of when Sir Alex Ferguson was still in the coaching position, Roy Keane dominated the midfield and Ryan Giggs broke the wings.
Man United had to win. Otherwise, Amorim would have had the lowest win tally in the club's history since Herbert Bamlett, who was sacked after being relegated in 1931. It is a strange statistic, but it is also a reminder of Man United's long decline under Erik ten Hag and now continuing with Amorim.
That does not mean Amorim is not worthy. He has proven his ability at Sporting and is now facing difficult circumstances at Old Trafford. Perhaps that is why the few bright spots in the recent failure were carried by fans as a ray of hope.
The risk is still huge. Amorim is a principle coach, absolutely loyal to the 3-4-2-1 formation. But the current Man United squad is a product of six generations of coaches. Some people may adapt, but most will need to be replaced. That means a large-scale renovation to suit Amorim's philosophy.
The matches against Fulham and Burnley will be good opportunities for Man United to accumulate points and create more confidence. After that, they will take a tough test called the Manchester derby at the Etihad after the international break.
Perhaps the £200 million attacking trio of Benjamin Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo will be the driving force for Man United to move forward. Not participating in the European Cup could also bring a physical advantage. However, the loss to Arsenal also exposed a series of their problems.
In goal, both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana have not shown that they can become a stable level goalkeeper in the Premier League. Man United also continued to have problems with set pieces.
If they can sell players who are no longer in the plans to balance finances, Gianluigi Donnarumma - now considered ready to leave at a reasonable price - should certainly be considered a transfer priority.
In defence, Leny Yoro has shown the prospect of becoming the first clear step forward for Man United since Ashley Young and David De Gea both arrived in 2011. Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot could also be mentioned, but they mainly maintain their inherent class rather than break through. The biggest problem right now is finding the right partner for Yoro.
Matthijs de Ligt has yet to prove himself since leaving Ajax. Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are continuously injured. Harry Maguire is now both a central defender and is often pushed up as a reluctant striker at the end of the match. Meanwhile, Ayden Heaven is too inexperienced to shoulder the responsibility.
