I love Manchester t-shirts have been the popular garb of late as a defiant response to the riots - and United fans will be wearing them to salute Mancunian Danny Welbeck after he sparked an Old Trafford romp against Spurs.

The Longsight-born 20-year-old was the hero for the Reds and proved that despite losing the local link of Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, United can still find a gem in the city.

Sir Alex Ferguson named the second youngest United line-up in the Premier League and Welbeck was the spearhead for the raw XI.

It meant last season’s joint top scorers were left on the bench to accommodate Welbeck.

Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov, who is still the club's record transfer at £30.75m, and the bargain buy of last season Mexican Javier Hernandez, had to sit and watch a Made in Manchester victory.

Had any of United’s new-look side missed the fact the club secured a record 19th title last May they couldn’t avoid it as they emerged from the tunnel.

The players were met with a four-sided block of Reds scarves around the stadium proclaiming the achievement.

It was a stunt courtesy of another new sponsor, but it must have hit the newcomers square between the eyes.

Five of Ferguson’s starting line-up were not involved in that Premier League success last season and the impressive display made them very aware of the expectations they now have to take on board.

But in fairness, even if it may take a little time for this new generation to fit comfortably in the boots of illustrious predecessors, it won’t be lack of confidence holding them back.

Much had been made of the injury curse that had wiped out Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

But Tottenham might have well have been attempting to power and trick their way through that experienced resistance for all the change they got out of Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling. It was under-fire keeper David de Gea who must have felt the fierce spotlight of scrutiny on him more than anyone.

The 20-year-old Spaniard even had the gaze of Edwin Van der Sar in the Old Trafford VIP seats noting his every touch.

De Gea started nervously, especially when his back four seemed intent on giving him a comforting touch of the ball as much as possible.

There were thousands of hearts in mouths as he dallied too often in possession before clearing.

However, when he was called upon to deal with efforts by Rafael Van der Vaart and Niko Krancjar in the first half, his Dutch successor couldn’t have coped more admirably.

While he was debuting, so was Tottenham’s new goalkeeper. Although Brad Friedel was starting a new life at White Hart Lane, the 40-year-old American had 14 years of Premier League experience under his belt.

De Gea was barely in primary school when Friedel came to England.

He’s spent much of his time earning man of the match plaudits against United for various clubs. But while the Reds were mopping up nicely at the back and some of the attacking build-up was swift, Friedel didn’t look likely to see enough action to earn another bottle of bubbly at United’s expense.

It wasn’t until the 54th minute that he had to produce his customary show- stoppers when he blocked well-struck efforts from both Rooney and Anderson.

Having had to endure a first 45 minutes of Spurs dominating possession, the Reds were now into their stride on the ball.

The breakthrough was crafted and executed by United Academy products to underline that no matter how much money is spent or how many former golden generation home-produced players retire, there is still an impressive conveyor belt producing talent taught at Carrington.

Tom Cleverley and Welbeck, of course, had to venture elsewhere last season to bank Premier League experience but it was education well spent.

The pair have linked together on pitches from youth and reserve level to the England Under-21 stage.

Now they can add Old Trafford to those venues after Cleverley nipped a Scholes-like assist onto the head of the striker. Welbeck had finally eluded the huge frames of Younes Kaboul and Michael Dawson and used the space to guide his header past Friedel.

Like Cleverley, Anderson is another charged with the job of replacing Scholes’ vision and goalscoring. The Brazilian’s lack of goals on his Old Trafford CV since 2007 has always put a question mark over him being the complete answer in midfield.

But once again Scholes would have been chuffed to have the South American’s well-crafted and finished goal as United went 2-0 ahead in the 76th minute.

United’s youngsters had created a comfortable lead that even allowed De Gea to survive another bungled attempt at taking a cross when Defoe hit the post from the gift.

It was the more experienced combination of Rooney and substitute Ryan Giggs who provided a gentle reminder to the new brigade that the maturer bunch will still have a say in proceedings this term.

Giggs clipped in a lovely 87th-minute cross and Rooney replicated Welbeck’s finish to ensure a well-deserved warning to the rest of the Premier League that the champions in any guise are still going to be a threat.

The latest Betfred odds have United 11-8 to defended their Premier League title, with City 5-2 and Chelsea 3-1.

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