Gone was the frustration and anguish of the Old Trafford crowd that has become a familiar refrain this season. Instead, it was replaced with joy and hope.
Here were a United team playing aggressive, attacking football.
Full backs pushed on, wingers delivered crosses and forwards finished them clinically.
Of course, this was against Norwich, who now have a formidable end of season to contemplate, deep in relegation trouble with games to play against Chelsea and Arsenal.
Double: Wayne Rooney scored twice to lead Manchester United to a winning start under Ryan Giggs
Uplifting: Juan Mata came off the bench to add two second-half goals for United in their rout
Fan favourite: Giggs applauds the United spectators after an easy win at Old Trafford
Hunting down: The win moved United closer to Tottenham in sixth place in the Premier League
New role: Giggs makes his way to the Manchester United bench for his first game in charge
Popular: The new Manchester United manager signs autographs for spectators at Old Trafford
Dream team: Giggs takes a seat next to his coaching team of Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville
In Giggsy we trust: Giggs was the centre of attention and on the front of the programme
But still, there was a definitive change of style and outlook at Old Trafford. And when some of the crowd looked for an early exit, it was as it once was: because they were secure in the win and wanted to avoid the rush; not because it was too painful to watch.
It represented the heady feeling of regime change. An old order had been shaken off and Old Trafford was full of its old confidence again. Later, there would be a cheer when a suited Giggs controlled a stray ball immaculately.
And yet there was also an unsettling feeling pervading the occasion.
All that hopeful optimism had a distinctly retro feel about it. Up in the stands sat Ferguson; on the bench was his protege, accompanied by Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and and Paul Scholes.
The team had the imprint of Sir Alex, too: 4-4-2 and playing on the front foot.
Jumping for joy: Rooney opened the scoring five minutes before half-time from the penalty spot
Dubious: United were awarded a contentious penalty when Danny Welbeck went down inside the box
Controversy: Welbeck was adjudged to have been brought down by Steven Whittaker
No mistake: Rooney send Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy the wrong way with his penalty
Slotted: The penalty came at a pivotal time in the game, five minutes before half-time
And in the stands, the fans ran through the full repertoire of songs they have composed for Giggs in his 23 years at the club.
But it felt like an old school reunion, for Giggs will not be the permanent manager of United, according to the club, no matter how many, including Sir Alex, will it.
And in truth, in the first half United were only marginally better than recent performances under Moyes. Saturday was all about the mood. For had United struggled to create early on, as they did under Moyes. Had Cleverley made such a hash of a chance, as he did on 32 minutes, the reaction would have been undoubtedly less patient.
In fact, there was an early scare when Norwich had the ball in the net.
Ricky van Wolfswinkel won a deep cross at the far post, nudging Phil Jones in the process. Fortunately for United, referee Lee Probert adjudged it a foul as David de Gea flapped at the ball and Jonny Howson finished.
There were encouraging moments for United. Welbeck, looking rejuvenated in a central role, had a fierce strike well saved by John Ruddy on 14 minutes; Shinji Kagawa stuck out a leg and almost directed in a Jones cross on 39 minutes; and Valencia had a terrific shot saved by Ruddy on 40 minutes.
The breakthrough, when it came, was untidy. A Jones cross rebounded off at least three sets of legs before breaking in front of Welbeck. In a panic, Steven Whittaker tangled with the United forward and felled him. Probert pointed to the spot, though it was wholly unclear why Whittaker was not sent off, given Welbeck was the last man, and Rooney duly dispatched the penalty.
Instruction: Giggs marshals his side from the Old Trafford technical area
Extended: Rooney scored his second goal after half-time to double Manchester United's lead
Fury: Norwich goalkeeper Ruddy is furious with his players for a lack of closing down
Delight: Rooney celebrates his second goal with Welbeck, Kagawa and Tom Cleverley
Things improved thereafter. When
Kagawa fed Rooney on 48 minutes, the Norwich midfield and defence stood
back, as though in awe of the old United. Rooney cut inside and, needing
little encouragement, sized up his shot and struck for the far corner
to make it 2-0.
Now Old Trafford was more like its old self. ‘Attack, attack,’ roared the crowd and the team responded.
Welbeck went close again on 48 minutes, taking down the ball delightfully with his chest and volleying goalwards to force another fine save from Ruddy. Vidic headed just over from the resulting corner.
Norwich did not wholly submit. They went close on 59 minutes from a Robert Snodgrass free-kick that De Gea punched away.
Now Old Trafford was more like its old self. ‘Attack, attack,’ roared the crowd and the team responded.
Welbeck went close again on 48 minutes, taking down the ball delightfully with his chest and volleying goalwards to force another fine save from Ruddy. Vidic headed just over from the resulting corner.
Norwich did not wholly submit. They went close on 59 minutes from a Robert Snodgrass free-kick that De Gea punched away.
Cometh the hour: Mata came off the bench to score United's third goal from close range
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