It didn't take long for Manchester United fans to start dreaming about a bright future under the guidance of new manager Erik ten Hag.
A sense of enigma and mystery accompanied his move to Old Trafford, with his past successes at Ajax caveated by the fact he was unproven away from Dutch football, despite his formidable record in the Champions League.
But just over half an hour into his first match as manager, any doubting supporters were quickly sold on his credentials as a third goal was delicately chipped into the Liverpool net.
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There is, of course, plenty of mitigation to the 4-0 scoreline, given United played their strongest available side against a heavily changed Liverpool team, and the full-time result didn't reflect how many chances were wasted, and gifted, by Jurgen Klopp's side.
United's style of play wasn't the only aspect that hinted at a bright future, though, with Ten Hag also giving valuable minutes to some of the club's most exciting academy prospects.
One of whom was Charlie Savage, who came on at half-time as part of an entire change to the outfield squad on the pitch, and he didn't look out of place.
The 19-year-old was accompanied by fellow academy starlet Zidane Iqbal, with the duo holding their own against a Liverpool side that introduced big hitters Thiago, Naby Keita and Fabinho in an effort to get back into the game.
The Welsh youth international has impressed through the age groups with his non-nonsense approach, acting as a midfield metronome but keeping play ticking over and methodically picking the most sensible pass rather than taking needless risks.
Despite this tendency to play the percentages with his pass selection, Savage still has a keen eye for sweeping long balls, often tearing open defences with his perfectly weighted cross-field passes when the time is right.
"Roy Keane would have loved to play with Charlie Savage," said Ben Thornley on MUTV commentary during the match, so impressed by the mature display on show.
It was this no-nonsense approach that made the audacious Maradona turn on the edge of the United box to pick up possession and take the ball away from Mohamed Salah, maybe Roy wouldn't have been so happy to see that.
The clip quickly went viral as his father, Robbie, shared it with the world, joking that he must have learned the trick from someone else, alluding to his contrasting style as a player.
And that is what is so impressive about Savage Junior. While some youngsters would look to cash in on the famous surname they possess, young Charlie doesn't use it as an excuse for special treatment and instead works even harder than most of his teammates to ensure he is judged on his own merit rather than status.
The teenager had already made headlines when he made his debut against Young Boys last December, and was rewarded for his continued hard work when he signed a new United contract until 2025 back in May, with the option of a further year.
A key to his development has been the experience he gained in various competitions last season, starring in the EFL Trophy and Youth League, as well as his Champions League debut.
"It is an amazing experience and it helps us for when we possibly go on loan," Savage told MEN Sport last season after beating Bradford City at Valley Parade. "It is a perfect replica of what we are going to experience, so it's great."
Even if he excels on the pre-season tour, Savage is still a way off the standard required to play for United every week, but at his core he is a technically-gifted player with all the raw qualities required to make it one day.
A loan move might be required in the next year so that he can cut his teeth in professional football, with fellow academy graduate James Garner the ideal role model for his midfield understudy.
His performance against Liverpool gave fans plenty of reason to be excited, but the hard work has only just begun.
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