Royalty of Northern Irish sport spotted each other in the posh bit of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand seconds before this all kicked off.
Jonny Evans, who has returned to Manchester United on a one-year contract, took his seat and directly behind him sat Dennis Taylor. The two chatted away, Evans on the half-turn in a way his midfield were not. Smiles and laughs, it was a nice scene.
The conversation had not ended by the time Nottingham Forest were one up, United stymieing themselves. Once Willy Boly allowed a cross to hit him and divert past Andre Onana moments later, Erik ten Hag was left requiring snookers.