Neil Redfearn was as amazed as his opposite number when Leeds ran out 3-0 winners at Fulham.
The United head coach believed his side finished the stronger, but not even the fiercest fan from Yorkshire, including their gaffer, could argue with the way they rode their luck in the first half hour.
Fulham could have been out of sight and anything up to 5-0 ahead as the Leeds goal led a charmed life, but when United went ahead just before half time, Whites resistance crumbled - just like it did in the 5-1 home defeat to Bournemouth a fortnight ago.
Redfearn said: "It was deja vu for them. They haven't got the goal, and when we scored their heads dropped. I'm surprised they are where they are given the quality of their side."
Fulham boss Kit Symons was inconsolable - especially after Kostas Stafylidis was sent off for two yellow cards in the space of 30 seconds: the first for dissent; the second for a rash tackle as the red mist descended.
He said: "I thought we were excellent first half, created numerous chances, didn't taken them - and very often there's that sucker punch.
"Even in the second half when we're down to 10 men, we had 26 shots to their eight. Getting a man sent off didn't help. It was a silly, stupid petulant thing to do.
"100 per cent it deserved a booking. He dived in straight in, in front of the Leeds fans and it was rash. There are discipline procedures in place at the club for sendings off.
"Ross got a whack on his knee first time, and got a second whack on it that needed him to come off - and it's sore and not looking to good for Saturday at Huddersfield. He looks doubtful.
"There's always that element you can try too hard against your old team. Maybe, that was the case."
The manager was reminded that it was five years to the night since Fulham beat Juventus 4-1 in a memorable Europa Cup tie at the Cottage.
With hands in pockets, he ruefully replied: "That's football. A lot changes in football."
