More moments like this and Mason Greenwood might just make Thursday nights his own.
The teenage striker, who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer describes as one of the best finishers he's ever seen, lived up to the hype with the type of goal a flat Europa League tie desperately needed.
Yes, Manchester United created enough chances to win handsomely – including hitting the woodwork on three occasions – but by the time Greenwood struck the winner, it looked like being a humbling evening at Old Trafford.
Astana frustrated their illustrious opponents – goalkeeper Nenad Eric personally coming out on top in his dual with Marcus Rashford, which saw the England striker blow a hat-trick of golden chances in the first half alone.
To Solskjaer's relief Greenwood was far more clinical when presented with his one real sight of goal on 73 minutes – and even then it was all of the 17-year-old's own making.
Receiving a pass from Fred on the right, he burst towards the penalty box, stood up Dorin Rotariu before leaving him in his wake.
Then it was a case of making the right decision – to square or go for glory.
Spotting a gap at the near post Greenwood side-footed low and hard beyond the dive of Eric to raise the roof inside Old Trafford.
The Europa League is not where this club wants to be – even if Solskjaer declared in his programme notes: "Make no mistake, this is a competition we want to win this season. Not only is it a gateway to the Champions League next season, the bigger picture is that Manchester United is a club which exists to win trophies."
The dilemma for United's manager is just how seriously he takes a competition that will require 15 games if they are to reach the final in Gdansk.
The Premier League and a top four finish has to be his priority – but he is no position to be dismissing any route back to Europe's top table.
Opponents like Astana gave him the opportunity to provide senior game-time for youngsters like Greenwood, Tahith Chong, Angel Gomes and Axel Tuanzebe.
But as the clock ticked past 70 minutes, it began to look like a gamble that hadn't paid off.
It's one thing to be competing in European football's poor relation. It's quite another to kick off the campaign with a humbling draw.
And if this match proved anything, it might be that Solskjaer will have to field stronger selections against AZ Alkmaar and Partizan Belgrade in the weeks to come.
Greenwood, however, has only further strengthened his claim to be given more of an opportunity in the serious business of the Premier League.
United's lack of depth exposed
Even after making nine changes from the weekend, the sight of United's bench was sobering.
The sheer lack of game-changers only highlighted a key weakness in Solskjaer's squad.
With Anthony Martial out injured, it was difficult to see where the goals would come from if United's forward line continued to be frustrated by their visitors.
Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata represented the only real attacking options – but neither could be considered prolific scorers.
After allowing Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to leave in the summer, Solskjaer has left himself desperately short up front – particularly given his preference of playing three forwards.
Injuries to any of Martial, Rashford or Daniel James, leaves United with precious few alternatives – which is why Greenwood's intervention was so gratefully received.
A much-needed positive for Fred
It was so nearly a spectacular return for Fred on his first start of the season.
The Brazil international's dipping 20-yard effort inside two minutes left Eric standing before crashing against the bar.
The midfielder needs a moment like that to go his way, you feel, to ignite a United career that has so far failed to launch.
But even without a wonder goal to his name, this was a positive night for Fred.
Against, admittedly, limited opposition, he was United most influential player in the middle of the pitch, keeping the ball moving and applying the pressure to Astana's defence.
He was a constant option for red shirts, patiently picking out the runs of teammates as United tried to find gaps in a stubborn defence.
As such it was no surprise that it was his pass to Greenwood that led to the crucial breakthrough.
It will take a lot more than this to repay his £52m fee – but this was an encouraging night for him and a much-needed one, too.
