Cristiano Ronaldo exorcised some personal demons with his display against Benfica on Tuesday night.
Last time the ex-Sporting Lisbon winger visited the Estadio Da Luz - in United´s embarrassing defeat last December - he was taunted mercilessly by the home fans, and reacted with an angry gesture which earned a one-game ban.
This time round the heckling remained, but Ronaldo´s answer was to be one of United´s liveliest threats and their most consistent outlet as they played on the counter attack.
"He was fantastic," said Sir Alex Ferguson. "He has been sensational, the boy.
"He´s maturing, he´s getting better all the time and, at 21 years of age, the world´s in front of him."
Ronaldo set up Louis Saha for the only goal in Lisbon, a win which was United´s first Champions League triumph away from home for almost three years.
That was a 1-0 triumph over Panathinaikos through a Diego Forlan goal, and the Boss admitted he was relieved to end the unwanted run.
"It´s been a long time for a club our size," he admitted. "We´ve had some changes over the years since, but I hope this team stays together and grows together."
Ah bon et pourtant