Twelve months later the mood could not have been more of a contrast: desolation turning to elation as 26 years of disappointment gave way to scenes of wild jubilation.
Alex Ferguson's men had seen off Aston Villa by winning the final seven games to end the season 10 points clear. But the winning margin was mere detail; the only thing that mattered to United players, staff and supporters was that the title had finally been won and the wait of almost three decades was over.
Early-season signs had suggested anything but a glorious ending. The hangover of the late title capitulation to Leeds was a long one – lasting until the fourth game of the campaign.