It was a victory against Leeds on the opening day of the season that gave Manchester United hope to dream of a serious Premier League title challenge this season.
The sun was shining, Paul Pogba was purring in midfield, Bruno Fernandes netted his first professional hat-trick and United showed their class by announcing Raphael Varane on the pitch in front of a packed Old Trafford.
But, instead of setting the standard for what was to come in the weeks ahead, that 5-1 win remains the pinnacle of a campaign which slowly deteriorated and leaves United heading to Elland Road this weekend merely looking to keep their top-four dreams alive.
After a steady start under interim manager Ralf Rangnick, there have been steady signs of progress with United's play, but in the weeks ahead the challenge will be taken up a notch given the strength of the opposition they face.
It is purely a fact that in the Premier League, United have been conceding fewer goals, winning more matches and taking more points on average since the German took charge, though the obvious caveat to that has been the favourable run of games.
Sunday's trip to Elland Road for a fierce derby essentially kickstarts the real acid test for Rangnick, with matches against Atletico, Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham all looming on the horizon. In these games, he will discover which players are really up for the fight.
Once again, it was the opening day win against Leeds that proved who those players might be, with Fernandes and Pogba both perfect playmakers to punish a side that has often played far too open against United.
Marcelo Bielsa demands a tight man-marking system from his side, one of the most extreme examples of it seen in modern football, evident by his desire to match players up all across the pitch.
While many managers would allow a certain flexibility within their tactical approach, Bielsa is keen for every outfield player to have an opposition man to mark when out of possession, something which has been exploited this season against midfield runners from deep.
On the opening day of the season, United only played with one recognised striker, instead relying on midfield players to supplement the attack with their unpredictable runs.
Playing from the left wing, Pogba enjoyed a field day with four assists as he drifted inside. Fernandes himself often found himself in pockets of empty space and netted a hat-trick, at times acting like a false nine.
The duo are both exceptional individuals, but their task was made that bit easier because of Leeds' own tactical approach, which allowed them to punish the man-marking system and cause confusion when they get involved in attacks.
With the focus likely to be on subduing the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo this weekend, it could once again be the perfect match for midfield maestros to inflict emphatic punishment.
United need to start winning, but they also need to make a statement by winning big. This weekend, they have two players perfect for making that happen.
