Logically, Wolves should have been slow starters. They had not had any pre-season games, and it was only 34 days since their final outing of last season. They tend to ease their way into proceedings and had not scored in the opening eight minutes of 75 consecutive matches.
So much for logic. A lack of preparation was no hindrance. Six minutes into their campaign, Wolves were two goals to the good.
The optimism engendered when Nuno Espirito Santo ended the uncertainty about his future to sign a three-year contract on Sunday was reflected in an authoritative display.
The Portuguese got his selection decisions right – only naming both Ruben Neves and the new record signing Fabio Silva as substitutes – and his players performed.
For United, however, it was a demoralising beginning and early evidence that this season could be tougher than last for endearing overachievers.
United had not conceded twice at home in the league for nine months. That all changed. Indeed, a team who have excelled at defending set-pieces almost conceded to two Romain Saiss headers from corners as, remarkably, the defender could have had a hat-trick.
As it was, Saiss added to Raul Jimenez’s classy opener. The Mexican proved so hard to contain that two Blades were booked for fouls on him.
He marked his 100th Wolves game by building on his 27-goal campaign last year and almost added another when he headed against the foot of the post from another corner. He was expertly aided by his supporting cast.
Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto were preferred to Diogo Jota and both immediately justified Nuno’s decisions.
The January signing Podence sped away from John Lundstram and crossed from Wolves’ left flank. Jimenez cushioned his half-volley into the roof of the net.
Then Saiss headed in Neto’s corner. That swift double made it an unfortunate second United debut for Aaron Ramsdale, the goalkeeper the Blades paid £18.5 million (Dh87.3m) to bring back to Bramall Lane to replace the outstanding Dean Henderson, and who perhaps could have reached Saiss’ header.
Even the former Bournemouth player’s first, and fine, save to turn a Jimenez shot over led to the corner for Wolves’ second goal.
He produced a better stop to deny Saiss another, tipping the defender’s shot on to the post before Jimenez missed from the rebound.
That would have killed the game off, but a third goal was not required. Wolves’ solidity means they are well equipped to protect a lead.
United did not muster an effort on target for 37 minutes and when they did, Oli McBurnie’s header was simple for Rui Patricio.
Their first real threat came in an improved second-half display, with John Fleck thumping a shot against the foot of the post and Conor Coady doing well to deflect the subsequent shot from George Baldock wide.
Billy Sharp ought to have supplied Lundstram with a tap-in, Enda Stevens exerted more of an influence and Saiss cleared a McBurnie header off the line as Wolves were rewarded for their unexpectedly fast start.
