After a torrid few years when values have become blurred and identity confused, there was a welcome reminder that Manchester United, who have done much wrong, can still get some things very right.
The prosaically-named South Stand is no more. The Sir Bobby Charlton Stand has more resonance. It may have been a rebranding exercise, but it came with a fitting sense of ceremony.
A mosaic formed by supporters in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, the first part of Old Trafford that celebrated a footballing knight, displayed the message “Sir Bobby”. Fans elsewhere waved flags honouring the 78-year-old.
Six decades on from his debut, Charlton has been a constant, a reminder of United’s commitment to youth and attacking football, while lending a dignity that too few others possess.
Through circumstances rather than choice, some people assume a greater significance, because of what they represent as well as who they are and what they have achieved.
Charlton is one such.
There is a banner hanging from the top tier of the Stretford End, reading “Feb 6th 1958, the Flowers of Manchester.” It commemorates Charlton’s fallen comrades, the victims of the Munich Air Disaster.
Another lists the names of the eight players who perished on the runway. Charlton survived.
Fifty-eight years later, his story remains remarkable, the World and European Cup winner, who went from tragedy to triumph.
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If comparisons are often unfair, that is particularly so where Charlton is concerned. It is not merely the improbability of any of the current players making 758 appearances and scoring 249 goals for United that render them so. The epic nature of his life ensures as much.
Yet, on the day they acknowledged his service, it was fitting United’s winner came courtesy of the man in their No 9 shirt.
Charlton wore it in the 1968 European Cup final and gave United an indelible association with the competition.
Anthony Martial, the modern-day incumbent, increased their chances of competing with Europe’s elite again next season. His winner was just reward for the Frenchman’s display.
The corridors of this ground contain a quote from Charlton: “Old Trafford is a magical place.”
It wasn’t during the 13th first half when they have failed to score at home this season. Yet Martial was alone in offering illumination in the darkness. He brought dynamism, directness and fans to their feet.
His swerving shot was as close as anyone came to a breakthrough. His neat one-two with Marcus Rashford required a wonderful saving challenge from John Stones to prevent the Frenchman from scoring.
Seamus Coleman’s marking was less impressive when Martial struck, providing the finishing touch after Juan Mata, Rashford and Tim Fosu-Mensah combined cleverly.
Cleverley – Tom, Everton’s former United midfielder – took the corner that almost yielded an equaliser. Phil Jagielka’s thumping header bounced back off the bar. The Everton captain came similarly close with a shot David de Gea repelled.
The margins can be narrow and Everton were condemned to just a second away league defeat of the campaign by a matter of inches.
Wretched as their results at Goodison Park have been, they have displayed unexpected resilience on the road. Not this time.
Assured as Everton were in possession, they proved rather toothless. Even when Gerard Deulofeu tormented Marcos Rojo, it rarely resulted in chances.
Little happened, but a United legend could savour the lack of drama.
“I said before the game we have to give a victory to Sir Bobby Charlton,” United manager Louis van Gaal said. “He was very pleased in the dressing room.”
Victory meant United have leapfrogged West Ham to reclaim fifth position. The battle for the final Uefa Champions League place may become a straight shootout between the Manchester clubs.
Manchester City's greatest generation – until, perhaps, the current collective – were represented at Old Trafford, with Colin Bell, Tony Book and Mike Summerbee present to pay tribute to a contemporary, in Charlton.
In a sport that divides, he retains a capacity to unite.
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