Last Friday night could be seen as another high watermark of the Caulfield era.
Only for a late rally by St Pat’s in Waterford, United would have ended the night top of the table.
The exhilaration was tempered by the sadness that hung over the club after the passing of one of its greats, John Herrick.
He was a man synonymous with class, who left an indelible mark on the club and community of his adopted city. He raised standards upon his arrival from Cork and has earned his place in the pantheon of club legends.
John Caulfield is retracing some steps of his predecessor. His previously derided style showed its effect in Dalymount Park. Paradoxically, his side controlled the game with just 28 per cent of possession.
They were brave at the back and blocked a barrage of shots and crosses. Rob Slevin epitomised the defiance. When tested, Evan Watts excelled in goals. He made a sensational save to deny Jordan Flores at 1-0.
The wing-backs offered quality in their deliveries and were economical when they got forward. Vince Borden was everywhere. Jimmy Keohane and David Hurley added quality on their introduction.
Patrick Hickey and Stephen Walsh simply outfought their opponents.
But the night belonged to Moses Dyer. The poise and power he displayed in both of his goals lifted a determined away performance into one of the great away days for a heaving away support.
The athleticism of his first was stunning as he glided through the air and thrusted his head to guide Bobby Burns’ cross home.
The quality of his second reverberated around the world thanks to the camera work of Paul Mladjenovic. The crispest of half volleys many have ever seen. The ripple of the net will leave a tingle for some time.
United could only be in a better position entering Friday’s game if they had a full deck to choose from.
Garry Buckley made a welcome return last Friday, occupying the spot that Cian Byrne had made his own. Brendan Clarke and Ed McCarthy had been declared back, but neither made the bench. Conor McCormack is yet to play a minute.
Nevertheless, there has never been a better time to end the Shamrock Rovers hoodoo, that runs all the way back to 2006, the last time United defeated the Hoops.
The visitors have had their now annual sluggish start. They had been on an upward curve prior to their draw against Derry, another team who have underperformed expectations.
Ed McGinty will be absent from goals after his red card. Leon Pohls, who has had his critics, deputised well in his place.
Elsewhere, there is still a formidable array of talent. There have been issues however at centre-forward. Of their recognised number nines, only Aaron Greene (1 ) has scored in the league so far.
However, Rory Gaffney is returning to fitness and increasing his minutes. He could provide a real threat on his return home. Michael Noonan proved he is one to watch in their European campaign.
None of this is to mention the talents of Josh Honohan, Graham Burke, Matt Healy and Dylan Watts to name just a few. United will be primed for one of the biggest tests so far this season.
It is still too early to suggest what trajectory United are on seven games in. But it feels safe to suggest that they are a serious team who have already made significant strides in their first objective, to stay in the division.
Tomorrow night should sell-out in Eamonn Deacy Park. Before the sides do battle, a heaving crowd will stand to honour a departed hero. A solemn air will hang before a roar will engulf. The electricity and emotion of these moments are what will endure.
