A similar slip is implausible this term. The squad has too many talented players. As well as those on the pitch on Sunday, the bench featured Sergio Romero, Michael Carrick, Memphis Depay, Marcus Rashford, Mkhitaryan, Marcos Rojo and Morgan Schneiderlin. That's a depth which was often lacking in the injury-hit months last term.
United's starting XI contained only two British players and none who'd come from United's ranks. There were five Brits on the opening day in 2015 and six a decade ago -- another sign of football's globalisation.
One player who was at United as a youngster was Pogba. He was suspended for Bournemouth and on Sunday night he was settling back into life in Manchester, having dinner with Everton's Romelu Lukaku.
Pogba is available to play against Southampton on Friday night for the first home game of the season. For the first time in their history, United can unveil the world's most expensive footballer.
As with the defeat at Bournemouth away last term, United lost at home to Southampton in the league.
Friday offers another chance to push the memories of last season even further back, and for the team to look toward a brighter future.