Manchester United had hoped that their right-wing issues would be fixed when they splashed out £73million on Jadon Sancho last year, but on Wednesday night their answer came in the shape of an academy graduate who had never intended to play there.
With the former Borussia Dortmund winger still doing solo work in the Netherlands in a bid to revive his career, it fell to his close friend Marcus Rashford to head straight back into Erik ten Hag's starting line-up following his World Cup involvement.
Ten Hag went strong for the visit of Burnley in the Carabao Cup and played just about his strongest possible midfield and attack for the game, a huge sign of intent for their hopes of winning the tournament.
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In the absence of a viable central attacking option, Anthony Martial led the line, and teenage prospect Alejandro Garnacho maintained his favourite inverted role from the left flank.
That is the same position from which Rashford has rejuvenated his career this season, though he was repurposed to the right wing for this match, his least preferred role in the forward line, but one he was happy to play for the benefit of the team.
It speaks volumes for happy Rashford is right now that he not only took to the challenge without any complaints, but that he then followed it up with arguably the finest performance from that position in his career.
The 25-year-old posed a constant threat with his direct approach from out wide and could have had an assist when he laid the ball off for Scott McTominay in the second-half, only for the Scotland international to fire well wide of goal.
In a game of mixed performances from the United players, Rashford soon realised that if United were going to get a second goal, then he'd be better off doing things himself.
Rashford's superb solo goal to win the match might have been in part down to poor Burnley defending, but it wouldn't have happened without the confidence and self-belief that have been running through his veins in recent weeks.
While those headline-grabbing comparisons with Kylian Mbappe might still be far-fetched, there was certainly a glimpse of the French superstar with the direct dribble he embarked upon and the fierce, powerful finish he fired into the far corner.
Rashford has never lacked ability, but he did suffer from a lack of self-belief. Ever since he has been managed by Ten Hag and advised by striker coach Benni McCarthy, he has been like a different player, something both he and the coaching staff deserve huge credit for.
It is this remarkable transformation that brings us full circle to welcome Sancho back into the equation. The 22-year-old is another player with unquestionable ability, but just like Rashford last season, his output is being curtailed by a lack of self-belief and confidence.
Sancho started his individual training programme in the Netherlands four weeks ago, and Ten Hag said earlier this month that the winger was "not fit enough" to figure in United's training camp in Spain. He has not been pictured in squad training since October 31, and he last played for United in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on October 22.
There is obviously a huge amount of work to be done for Sancho to reclaim a place in the first-team frame at United, but what is reassuring is that Ten Hag already has a proven blueprint in Rashford to follow again.
The former Dortmund man needs to be given as much time as possible to sort out any issues he has, be they on or off the pitch, before being reintegrated in a manner that motivates him to fight for his place again.
It is easier said than done, but that was also the case with Rashford earlier in the season, and rejuvenating him is something that Ten Hag is now reaping the rewards from on a weekly basis.
Sancho might be alright after all.
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