After the tedium came the thrills as Manchester United shrugged off their 'boring' tag by playing their part in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle at St James' Park.
Is Rooney back?
He can at least take some comfort in the flickering of form from his much-maligned captain. Rooney has now scored four goals in his last three appearances for United. Two have been penalties but the other efforts have showcased his deft touch - the back-heeled flick with his left foot against Swansea - and his powerful finishing. Against Newcastle, the latter looked to have won the game.
Pace or control?
The decision to drop Juan Mata was explained by the need for "speed on the wings" and that's what Van Gaal got with Lingard and Anthony Martial. The former made more sprints than anyone else during his time on the pitch, while the latter was the game's fastest player having been clocked at 35.4 kilometres per hour. They looked dangerous and Lingard, of course, came up with a goal.
Lingard's energy
Jesse Lingard made 55 sprints for Manchester United - 10 more than anyone else on either side during his time on the pitch.
The team's total of 10 chances created was a joint-high away from home but that creativity came at a cost - it's also the first time they've conceded three in the Premier League since the trip to Arsenal. Substitute Memphis Depay summed up the situation by playing a part in Rooney's second but then failing to provide cover for the equaliser. This is not the control that Van Gaal craves.
Nzi please read carefully....
Can Fellaini be trusted?
One man who rarely gives that impression of being in control is Marouane Fellaini and this was another display from the Manchester United midfielder to baffle and bemuse. Supporters seem reluctantly prepared to accept the idea of him as a one-man Plan B - toss it to the big man and hope for the best - but remain rather less convinced by him in a deeper role. It's easy to see why.
Fellaini's fouls
Marouane Fellaini committed four fouls - more than any other player in the match.
Fellaini committed four clumsy fouls in the opening half an hour but he couldn't cope with Georginio Wijnaldum and might have been sent off when appearing to kick out at Fabricio Coloccini having been booked. He had a role in goals at both ends and his header should have finished it at 3-2 but he couldn't do it. Unfortunately, the feeling that Fellaini can't do it is now unlikely to ever fully go away.
Who is the No 10?
While Fellaini might be better in an attacking midfield role, he isn't the answer there either. But who is? Ander Herrera was preferred to Mata in that position at Newcastle and played a quality pass to Rooney for his team's second goal. The Spaniard also showed remarkable awareness to feed Lingard after the break for a chance that could've restored their two-goal advantage.