While there were only 10,000 fans in Old Trafford to watch Manchester United against Fulham last week, you could have been fooled into thinking the stadium was full - the noise from supporters was electric, creating an emotionally infused atmosphere.
United supporters were in full voice after waiting 436 days to watch their team live, completing the pilgrimage to Old Trafford for the first time since March 2020, although their long wait was made worth it when the Reds opened the scoring in breathtaking style.
When David de Gea played an ordinary ball forward 15 minutes in, Edinson Cavani had a few seconds to make a decision, but like a fighter pilot, his wiring allows him to immediately scan ahead, his brain is efficient and unordinary, able to execute to precision.
Within a fleeting instant, Cavani latched on to the ball and the 10,000 supporters went silent, becoming momentarily aware of the audacious they were just about to witness in front of their eyes, as the Urgurary star sent a lofted chip from distance into the goal.
It was a moment of individual brilliance, the goal was world-class, composed centre-forward play personified, and the effort was a strike that Eric Cantona would have been proud of. Cavani boasts a similar presence and aura to the Frenchman, too.
The signing of Cavani on a free transfer from PSG has undoubtedly been a resounding success and the recent news of his contract extension in Manchester was warmly welcomed by everyone involved with the club, none more than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It's not the first time United have signed a talismanic centre-forward entering the autumn of their career, though, as the same doubts and questions that loomed over Cavani upon his arrival followed Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his flight from Paris to Manchester.
In the context of when they joined the Reds respectively, both players have eerily similar profiles and the parallels are obvious, but United as a club have perhaps unintentionally become masterful strategists that get the best out of players for their last 'big' move.
Although Ibrahimovic would always say he was bound to become a success, the Swede exceeded expectations across his time at United, his contribution in the 2016/17 season was particularly outstanding as he scored 28 goals and provided 10 assists.
Scoring a brace at Wembley to propel United to the League Cup in 2017 rounded off the perfect campaign for Ibrahimovic, while also ensuring his name was written in the club's folklore, and Cavani needs to stride towards emulating his former teammate next term.
Cavani's goal against Fulham guaranteed his cult hero status among United supporters, but he can enhance his reputation and his glittering CV even further next season if he surpasses Ibrahimovic's 2016/17 haul of 28 goals, which is an appropriate target to aim at given his recent run of nine goals in his last 10 games.
