Millions would have tuned in hoping for a League Cup upset, but those viewers would have been left disappointed despite Northampton drawing level with Manchester United before half-time.
It was a routine win over lower league opposition without playing too well, and while progression to the next round was absolutely essential considering the three game slide the Portuguese has found his team on after a bright start, he may have hoped for a smoother ride.
The team was named, and Man Utd fans everywhere would have had a lump in their throat from the very first name as Sergio Romero was drafted in to give David De Gea a rest, but the job was done. Calling Ibrahimovic and Rashford from the bench so early was a sign that Jose didn't like what he had seen, but there were still lessons to be learned.
Here is what United fans will be hoping the gaffer took away from tonight's performance:
#1 - Wayne Rooney must be dropped.
That's it.
Rooney was past the point of being droppable for the vast, vast majority of fans but while pundits all over England reminded them how good he used to be, it looked like Mourinho too wasn't having any of the criticism levelled at his captain. But tonight was surely breaking point.
Wayne Rooney was laboured in everything he did. His shooting was off, his passing erratic, and his first touch was startlingly bad. Honestly, the deterioration of his first-touch is something that you wouldn't see from that bloke at 5-a-side who hasn't shown up in over a year.
The captain's armband isn't an immunity bracelet from 'Survivor'...
#2 - Marcos Rojo has found his level, at League One opposition.
He was signed under strange circumstances with the hope that he might be good after playing in a World Cup final, but it is quite clear that not only is Marcos Rojo crap, but he damages the team when he is picked.
His attitude stinks. You can actually see how highly he rates himself when he tries to take on players from defensive positions, only to lose the ball because he is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. The tracking back abilities of Nani in his prime also don't help when you're a left-back that is 40 yards out of position.
A failed signing, get rid.
#3 - Michael Carrick should be starting in midfield.
Many United fans have been calling for it for weeks, but Carrick was included from the start and scooped the man of the match award for his troubles. He even scored a goal just to put the exclamation mark on the point.
A textbook Carrick goal with the inside of the foot.
United need organisation and forward passing from deep positions. Those are Michael Carrick's middle, and confirmation names. Michael Organisation Forward Passing Carrick.
Before even considering the positive effect Carrick would have on Pogba, he should be in the team regardless.
#4 - Ander Herrera should also be starting in midfield.
A great lad, and a damn fine player, Ander Herrera has been one of the few who can hold his head high over the last number of weeks. He won't complain when he is on the bench, but that should no longer even be an option.
If you're worried about Carrick's legs in midfield, Herrera has the energy to compliment that. He's always likely to pop up with a goal, and his passing is among the best at the club.
Fully deserving of his place in the side.
#5 - Marcus Rashford is his best player.
Honestly, what a gem Louis Van Gaal stumbled upon before he left...
Rashford is what every football fan wants from a player on their team. He chases lost causes, he makes defenders cack their pants, and he just puts his head down and gets on with it.
He's not one for the future, he is the future. A local lad who has come through the system and is now making the players he idolised as a kid look bad. The way he runs with the ball is an instant panic-attack for the opposition, it is insane to see such a dangerous player with the cold blood that he has at just 19 years-of-age.
So there you have it, a lot to take away, and they say the League Cup is pointless?
