Nani scored a spectacular goal and Frazier Campbell and Patrice Evra netted as Man Utd eased to a 3-0 triumph over Glentoran in Belfast.
Provided he manage to complete his house move in time, Alex Ferguson would have been able to sit back in his favourite armchair and reflect on a satisfactory day.
In fact, the only thing Ferguson had to vex himself about, apart from any breakages by the removal men, was the return of Nani's gymnastics.
Told by his manager to stop them after scoring his 1st United goal on their recent Far East tour, Nani had taken advantage of his Ferguson's absence to treat a capacity 14,000 crowd after firing home a superb effort in a comfortable 3 goal win.
The goal would easily force Nani into Ferguson's starting line up Sunday, when United start the defence of their Premier League title against Reading.
But, with the Scot due back in the dugout at Old Trafford, it seems a fair bet the Portugal international will not be repeating the acrobatics.
A packed Oval, drawn by the most glamorous visitors probable to celebrate their 125th anniversary, were treated to a majestic United stroll.
The supporters were denied the opportunity of seeing not only Cristiano Ronaldo, who pulled out with a minor ankle injury, as well as Carlos Tevez and Gabriel Heinze.
It had taken only 5 minutes for the visitors to seize the initiative, Lee Martin snapping up possession following Colin Nixon's mistake, then floating over a cross which Campbell expertly volleyed home.
Campbell has impressed during United's pre season campaign, even if the forward must wait until the Red Devils venture into the Carling Cup next month before he tastes senior action again.
It was Campbell who supplied the final pass for his side's 2nd goal, laying the ball off to an overlapping Evra, who belted home.
With only 14 minutes on the clock it looked like becoming a humiliating landslide for the Glens on their historic night.
Thankfully, Michael Dougherty made a few timely, if unconvincing, saves, allowing the Northern Irish club to build something of a defensive barricade.
They needed it too as Nani, Anderson and Michael Carrick weaved pretty patterns outside the box.
Inspite of the pressure, Glentoran did manage a few attacks themselves, Daryl Fordyce bravely throwing himself at one Gary Hamilton cross, only to connect firmly with the far post rather than the ball.
The 1st half highlight came 10 minutes before the break as Nani fired home in impressive fashion.
Having reportedly heeded Ferguson's advice to stop his trademark celebrations, it was something of a surprise to see Nani complete his trademark double somersault.
The 2nd period, which saw Glentoran field almost a completely different side, was a fairly uneventful, even though Nemanja Vidic was forced off after taking a blow to his head.
Paul Leeman did hook Martin's effort off the line and China international Dong Fangzhou was also off target after being presented with a decent opportunity.
But United were content to remain in 2nd gear, knowing far stiffer challenges will lie ahead over the next 9 months.
25 07 2007
Alex Ferguson expects Dong Fangzhou to show his strengths at Man Utd next season.
Dong will start against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Thursday, as United continue their pre season tour of the Far East, and Old Trafford manager Ferguson has spelt out what he would like from the forward.
"We expect larger things from Dong next season," Ferguson informed the Daily Express.
"He has terrific pace and power. He's a very athletic boy and has a marvellous physique."
However, the Chinese attacker faces a difficult task to get into the Premier League champions' 1st team with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of him in the pecking order.
Dong, though, has now signed a permanent 3 year contract at Old Trafford after spending time at United's feeder club Royal Antwerp following his initial transfer from Dalian Shide in 2004.
Having handed him his new deal, Ferguson is now keen to see the 22 year old compete for a 1st team role.
"He did exceptionally well and scored a lot of goals at Antwerp and his experience with the Chinese national team was good for him," Ferguson added.
"Next season we will see a better player. Hopefully he is an emerging player for us."
Dong has made one Premier League appearance to date, which came against Chelsea in the penultimate game of last season.
