Manchester United supporters do not have to cast their minds too far back to remember the bleak times.
A trip to Anfield this weekend is a reminder of just how far this team has progressed under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag. Eight players who started the dismal 4-0 defeat against Liverpool back in April, remain at the club today.
While the likes of Anthony Elanga and Harry Maguire are unlikely to start on Sunday, players such as David de Gea, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford still hold prominent roles in this squad. They were all called out by Roy Keane after that annihilation, as he exposed the squad's failings for the world to see.
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"I think it was anger at the start of the season, now I just think it is sadness," Keane told Sky Sports. "You look at the team today, there was no heart, no soul, no leaders.
"They lacked quality, they were so far off. You look at the Manchester United fans, they don’t look surprised by the scoreline."
Fast forward just less than a year and how the tables have turned. United's astonishing return to form has been nothing short of remarkable.
At first, this season felt like it was going to be more of the same. Defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford had the Reds on their knees.
But, the victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford in August turned United's season around. Since that day, Ten Hag's men have only lost on four occasions in all competitions.
While the Dutchman has received praise for how well he has managed to turn the club around, his comments to the media ahead of the clash with Jurgen Klopp's side, touched upon a very important point. While we are all quick to hail the Reds' boss, we should not forget to recognise the efforts of the players too.
Ten Hag looked to do this when he said: "I think our team, our mentality in general is very good. I think we also have many leaders who set the mentality, who set the standards, who control the standards, who correct if necessary.
"I think we are happy with this process but it can always be better. That has to be the approach."
Keane would have been the first to admit in April that United's mentality was severely lacking but just less than a year on, the former captain has no choice but to admit that these players have done what was needed to turn their reputations around. On Sunday, no matter the result, United supporters heading to Anfield will know that this team is heading in the right direction and is unlikely to slip into the bad habits they saw 11 months ago.
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