This time, when Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge, it will be different. The bond is broken and the aura is gone.
When he came back with Inter Milan, Chelsea fans were still singing his name with feeling and his grey coat hung in the museum like a designer garment of wonder. Senior players like Frank Lampard were in regular contact.
All of which helped as Inter claimed victory. But if Manchester United leave with three points on Sunday it will not be because the Bridge is still entranced by the Special One.
Handshakes, smiles and applause there will be; a warm appreciation of what he achieved, sure, but Mourinho will find the adoring masses have thinned out in SW6.