Everton fans have been through this all too often. When your last victory at your rivals' home ground was 12 years ago, you tend to tune out when told that this is your best opportunity to halt what can only be described as a humiliating streak. After all, even the most lacklustre Manchester United team in recent memory managed to trounce Everton 4-0 at home last season. And when one of your own players gets sent off for slapping his own team-mate with less than 15 minutes on the clock, you really start to think this isn't going to be your night.
In fact, you start to think, 'Here we go again.' Another chance is going to slip past Everton, and it will end up being another case of 'What if?' Having seen Sunderland triumph at Stamford Bridge and Nottingham Forest defeat Liverpool at Anfield already this season, Everton fans have every right to feel jealous. Victories away at the traditional 'Big Six' haven't just been hard to come by in recent years - they've been non-existent.
You hope things will change; there has long been chatter of a mentality shift, but doubt always manages to sneak in. It's the hope that ultimately destroys you. And then that fatal moment arrives with just 13 minutes gone. Idrissa Gueye was shown the red card for slapping team-mate Michael Keane.
A remarkable flashpoint and the sort of incident that you just don't see. But, in many ways, it was very Everton. From that point, you'd think, 'Well, there's the self-inflicted setback, and that'll be it.' We all reckon we know what's coming next.
But then comes a surprise. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fires the Blues into the lead, giving Everton something to cling onto. A splendid goal that rewards Everton's courageous approach after being reduced to 10 men. But one mustn't get too excited; there's still a long road ahead.
However, it was after the half-time whistle when belief started to grow that the unimaginable might just happen. Everton are defending stoutly and United appear lacklustre, to put it mildly. The home crowd is growing restless, and the grumbles are getting louder. Back at home, Blues fans find themselves on the edge of their seats, daring to believe.
Then, out of nowhere, you're brought back down to earth as Jordan Pickford pulls off a truly remarkable save to deny Joshua Zirkzee. It would have been typical for Zirkzee to equalise for United. He hasn't found the net all season, then suddenly appears after being given a rare start. But he's thwarted by a save that deserves all three points. Pickford is once again called into action.
Everyone's starting to feel the tension now. Everton's players are giving it their all. James Garner has been outstanding but he and his teammates are beginning to flag, forcing David Moyes to delve into his substitutes. In their last match against Sunderland on a Monday night, his substitutes had little to no impact. Charly Alcaraz again comes on and tries too hard to impress.
However, it doesn't matter in the end because shortly before 10pm, referee Tony Harrington blows his whistle for full-time, and the unthinkable has indeed happened. Everton have secured their first victory at Old Trafford since December 2012, leaving David Moyes to relish his first win as a visiting manager at 'The Theatre of Dreams' in the league on his 18th attempt.
But what happens next is telling. Moyes dashed onto the pitch to congratulate his players on a stellar performance. The travelling contingent of away supporters in the corner, who have been forced to endure some appalling displays on the road in recent years, are dancing with joy.
And who can blame them? They have every right to enjoy this. Everton's players continue their celebrations in the Old Trafford tunnel. Jack Grealish in particular is beaming from ear to ear as he shouts 'Get in there!'
This has been a long time coming. A performance that epitomised everything that David Moyes wants from his team. The sort of performance that Blues supporters haven't witnessed since the Scot's first spell in charge of the club.
And who knows where it could take the football club? Could this victory also unblock that psychological obstacle that has held Everton back for so long? Who knows at this moment in time?
We have been here before, of course. However, what is certain is that Everton finally seized their opportunity on Monday night, a moment that has been long in the making.