Had it not been for a number of missed chances, a superb performance from Stoke keeper Lee Green and one moment of shambolic defending late in the game, United would surely have strolled to a fourth consecutive win and all the post-match talk would have been about a victory earned the United way and positive feelings to take into the international break.
Despite the disappointment of dropping two points, perhaps we shouldn't dismiss those positives too easily. After all, many Reds were heard to say last season that, if we failed to win, at least it would be good to do so the United way. That was certainly what happened here. United swarmed all over Stoke early on, with Grant keeping out efforts from Lingard and Mata and Pogba spurning two excellent chances in front of goal.
There were enough chances for United to have gone in at half-time four-nil up for the second weekend running. Perhaps the failure to go ahead explained why the Reds looked a little more sluggish after the break, but they soon got into their stride again and Herrera and Ibrahimovic both struck shots narrowly wide as United pushed for a breakthrough.
It came, as on Thursday, following a substitution. Martial's introduction saw him take up Rashford's position on the left, with the youngster moving to the right, and it was the former who put United ahead, unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
It was no more than United deserved and, at that point, it looked as if it might finally open the floodgates. Sadly, though, from a rare attack, Joe Allen bundled over the line after Walters' shot had deflected off Eric Bailly. Even then, United might have snatched it, with Grant making another fine save from Ibrahimovic and Pogba hitting the crossbar.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Reds. Even so, there are clear signs that Mourinho is settling on a line-up and a way of playing that will surely bring greater rewards in the future. Frankly, we've often seen United in recent seasons play worse than this and win.
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