Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finally saw his side win a home Premier League game and then agreed with Jose Mourinho's assessment of the season.
Manchester United have already lost three times this season but Saturday's three points lifts them into the top half.
Tottenham are one of the teams to beat the Red Devils and they underlined their title credentials with a classy win over Man City.
Mourinho though is not getting carried away in a heavily congested table that is regularly changing shape.
Solskjaer agreed with his predecessor's assessment and placed an onus of gathering points rather than playing well in what is a unique season.
"The league this season is going to be inconsistent with ups and downs," he told BT Sport.
"Its unpredictable - we've seen some results today and it's not really settling.
"Like Jose said, one win moves you up the table, one defeat moves you closer to the bottom.
"It's very tight, it's very early on and points are more important than performances sometimes."
United need a Bruno Fernandes retaken penalty to see off winless West Brom at Old Trafford.
The Baggies themselves can feel aggrieved at not taking something from the contest however.
San Gallagher was awarded a penalty with the game goalless before the referee reversed his decision after consulting the pitchside monitor.
And Solskjaer acknowledged that is side were far from their best albeit in challenging circumstances.
He added: "After the international break, we said it in the dressing room, it's difficult. We've not worked together.
"We waited until this morning to get the prep for this game done, it's never easy that when everyone has been away for 10 days.
"We know we can do better but three points is three points."
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