Let’s go down memory lane and experience one more time some of those shocking, surprising, thrilling, enthralling, exhilarating moments that took place in the most unpredictable and entertaining league in the world.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004. Deadline Day. Manchester United finally signed 18-year old Wayne Rooney for £25 million from Everton. Many eyebrows were raised as this was the highest anyone had ever paid for a player under the age of 20. But in time, the English striker showed the world why he was worth it and went on to become one of the greatest at Old Trafford.
The 2006/07 season saw Sir Alex Ferguson completing 20 years at the club as Manchester United were crowned champions of England after Chelsea failed to win against Arsenal on Sunday, May 06, 2007, leaving United 7 points clear, at the top of the table, with just two games to go. The season also turned out to be great for Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo as he bagged a double himself by winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards.
The 2007/08 season saw Manchester United retain the Premier League Crown. It was a special occasion for everyone, especially for Ryan Giggs as he bagged his 10th Premier League Medal. Cristiano Ronaldo just couldn’t stop scoring as he scored 31 goals in 34 games to win the Golden Boot and PFA Player of the Year.
Season 2008/09. HAT-TRICK! Another very successful season for the Red Devils as they won their third consecutive Premier League title. United finished the season with 90 points and kept a staggering 24 clean sheets. Edwin van Der Sar surpassed Petr Cech’s record as he went 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal in the league. He won the Golden Glove at the end of the season. After winning the PFA Player of the Year for two seasons in a row, Cristiano Ronaldo was named FIFA Player of the Year. Ryan Giggs won the PFA Player of the Year.
Manchester Derby at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 20, 2009. The stage is set as former Manchester United striker, Carlos Tevez, returns to Old Trafford in sky blue. Manchester City never took the lead in the game, but they did equalize 3 times. They just couldn’t do that at the very last time as Michael Owen put the ball past Shay Given in the 96th minute to give Manchester United a crucial derby victory. Darren Fletcher bagged a brace and Wayne Rooney scored the opener as United beat City 4-3.
Manchester Derby at The Etihad. Saturday, April 17, 2010. City had already lost at Old Trafford under unbelievable circumstances. The Red Devils were to haunt their rivals again and yet again it was a late goal which broke City hearts. Paul Scholes headed in the only goal of the match in the 93rd minute as United completed a double over their city rivals in the Premier League.
Derby Day Again! Saturday, February 12, 2011. Earlier in the season, United and City played out a goal-less draw at The Etihad. But at Old Trafford, it was never going to be the same, as Nani gave the hosts a lead, which was soon cancelled out by a lucky goal from David Silva. United then took the lead with the most extraordinary and acrobatic goal from Wayne Rooney which turned out to be the winner.
Magical Dimitar Berbatov. The artistic Bulgarian shared the Golden Boot of the 2010/11 season with former teammate Carlos Tevez. Berbatov bagged 3 hat-tricks in the season – 3 against Liverpool, 5 against Blackburn Rovers, and 3 against Birmingham City, finishing the league season with 20 goals.
Ewood Park. Saturday, May 14, 2011. The title is back in the hands of Manchester United after a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers. It was an extra special occasion as this was Manchester United’s record breaking 19th Premier League title, which saw them surpass arch-rivals Liverpool to become the most successful team in England. Edwin van Der Sar hung up his boots at the end of the season, after 4 years with the club.
Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 28, 2011. Manchester United vs Arsenal is always a feisty and close encounter. But what Old Trafford experienced this time, was nowhere near a close contest as the Red Devils dominated and thrashed Arsenal 8-2. Wayne Rooney scored from two free kicks and converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick. Sir Alex Ferguson’s signings showed what they were capable of doing as David de Gea saved a penalty taken by Robin van Persie and Ashley Young scored two beautiful goals. Park Ji-Sung, Nani and Danny Welbeck scored one each.
