All it took to start a frenzied afternoon in Atteridgeville was a moment of calmly executed class from Sibusiso Vilakazi.
Sundowns got many things spot-on as they dominated SuperSport United for large parts of the game but Vilakazi's opener stole the show as the Brazilians crushed United in front of a good crowd.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder received the ball unmarked on the edge of the penalty box and coolly shot in off the upright.
The second goal by Themba Zwane came after Sundowns opened the United defence with a breathtaking attacking move.
Rivaldo Coetzee combined superbly with captain Hlompho Kekana to overpower Dean Furman and Teboho Mokoena.
The only thing that Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane will rue from this match is that they only scored two goals against this United side that looked uncooked.
Mosimane this week argued that they were not ready for this game as some of his key players were rested after playing in the Africa Cup of Nations, but they showed no signs of rustiness.
He started with Denis Onyango, Hlompho Kekana, Lebohang Maboe, Themba Zwane and Sibusiso Vilakazi, who played at Afcon, and they were crucial as the Brazilians began the defence of their title on a positive note.
Sundowns are looking for a record-extending tenth PSL title and judging by the comprehensive manner in which they performed yesterday, very few will bet against them achieving that.
Mosimane's counterpart Kaitano Tembo started with Ronwen Williams, Furman and Evans Rusike, who played at Afcon, and he handed debuts to new recruits Thamsanqa Gabuza and Kudakwashe Mahachi.
United will have to rectify their mistakes quickly because their next league match is against Orlando Pirates at Mbombela while Sundowns travel to Chippa United in the Eastern Cape on August 14.
Though Sundowns were dominant for most parts of the match, United also had their moments on the attack though, with the likes of Gabuza, Evans Rusike and Bradley Grobler, but they could not find the opening.
In the closing stages, they threw everything at Sundowns in the hope of snatching a late point but the Brazilians defence that was marshalled by Wayne Arendse, Mosa Lebusa and Anele Ngcongca stood firm.
It is still early days in the campaign but Sundowns, who have the Caf Champions League commitments, look good on the eye. United still appear a little unpolished.
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