In many ways, it felt like old times. Outside Hotel Anfield, a hub that bounces on match days, they were singing their songs and enjoying the struggles of old rivals.
A giant television screen had been erected for locals and when West Ham took the lead at Old Trafford, the cheers were long and loud. Not as loud, though, as when the two executive buses carrying the Champions loomed into view. This was what they wanted to see.
There were flares and fireworks and plumes of red smoke made a corridor of colour for Liverpool's arrival.