Just standing and watching was tiring enough and, naturally, both players were soon soaked in sweat, taking liquids on board.
Behind them, the stands close to the tunnel were beginning to fill up with fervent followers of the team – finally, for the first time in 16 years, they could see their cherished Reds playing football up close.
A group of young mascots excitedly lingered close to the changing rooms, asking who they were about to see and they soon found out.
Ruben Amorim, as he usually is, was out well before his players and it was heartening to hear our head coach serenaded with the Stretford End’s signature chant.