When it comes to winning trophies, three years without one is three years too long for Manchester United.
And with a number of the current squad yet to get their hands on silverware, Ander Herrera is well aware that Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final against Everton carries added significance.
Not since 2013 have the Red Devils added to their trophy cabinet with a 20th league title – won under Sir Alex Ferguson – followed at the start of the new season with the Community Shield under David Moyes.
Everton v Manchester United
The Emirates FA Cup
Semi-Final
5.15pm, Saturday 23 April 2016
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Live on BBC
Winners receive £900,000 from prize fund
Losers receive £450,000 from prize fund
Louis van Gaal is now the man at the helm and while this season has been peppered by inconsistency, it would appear he has rallied his troops to come into form at the right time.
United have not lifted The FA Cup since 2004, while they have lost all three semi-finals played at Wembley.
But Spainiard Herrera insists all the players are well aware of the history of the famous trophy, especially for 11-time winners Manchester United.
"I know how important The FA Cup is for our fans," he said.
"We don’t have players in the dressing room who have won it for United. I was talking to Michael Carrick about it and he told me he wants to win and get to Wembley.
"We realise how important it is for us as players and for our fans to win a trophy."
With Everton winless in their last six Premier League matches and United enjoying a run of five wins in their last six – including a 2-0 win over fellow FA Cup semi-finalists Crystal Palace in midweek – the form book would put the Red Devils down as favourites.
Emirates FA Cup highlights: West Ham United 1-2 Manchester United
And England international Chris Smalling believes overcoming their previous injury problems has helped contribute to their upturn in fortunes.
"A lot of the lads have been coming back into the team in the last couple of games, and everyone's getting fitter," he said.
"The manager's now in a great position to pick a strong team, and hopefully one that is ready to go out there and do the job on Saturday.
"I'm looking forward to it because it's going to be a great occasion.
"Hopefully we can do the job against Everton and get back there for a second visit [for The Final].
"It was a comfortable win [against Crystal Palace]. I think we controlled the game from the start to the finish and we created a lot of chances, so we've got a good feeling going into Saturday."
