When the storm had passed and the damage was done, Jose Mourinho appeared briefly in the away dressing-room at Old Trafford to congratulate Burnley on a quite magnificent defensive effort.
At least it was one gracious gesture from the Manchester United manager in what had otherwise been another unedifying episode in his colourful career in English football.
Mourinho can expect little sympathy from the FA after he was banished to the stands for the second half by Mark Clattenburg, just the threat of a substantial ban.
They were already awaiting his response by 6pm on Monday over a charge of misconduct for comments about referee Anthony Taylor before United played at Liverpool a fortnight ago.