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Manchester United always have a variety to their campaigns. Whether it’s a moment of glory or it’s a moment of madness, you can be sure to retrieve plenty of them from the Red Devils. But perhaps as we march closer towards the conclusion of 2011, it’s time to review the five best Manchester United moments of this year so far.
5. Wayne Rooney‘s outrageous goal vs Manchester City
It was probably the most important Manchester derby ever at that point of time because City’s sky high title ambitions were hanging in the balance while Manchester United were determined to silence their noisy neighbours for the season. The pre-match proceedings were explosive as usual as it provided a perfect setting for the dawn of yet another derby day.
Nani sent the Old Trafford faithful into frenzy with a well taken strike in the 41st minute. Dzeko then flapped a shot from a Wright-Phillips cross, which deflected off Silva into the goal, restoring parity for the Citizens. But the fiery encounter always looked destined to be settled by one moment of magic. Nani pitched in an inch-perfect cross from the right as Wayne Rooney rose high enough to convert through a mind blowing bicycle kick which proved to be the match winner. What a way to settle the Manchester derby, and it certainly deserves to be hailed as one of the most significant moments for United in 2011.
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4. Community Shield victory vs Manchester City
It was barely a meaningful tie, but that did not affect the fact that it was going to be another fiery Manchester derby. Manchester United were ready for life after Edwin Van der Sar while Manchester City were looking to test the depth of their squad, having made several significant transfers during the summer. Nevertheless, bragging rights was once again the main agenda for both teams. At the end of the match, the Red Devils demonstrated their capabilities of resisting Roberto Mancini’s glorified attacking strength.
City were up leading 2-0 in the first half with De Gea getting ready to embrace himself for criticism after the match after flopping through two easy goals. Fergie responded by making three substitutions after the break, an act which surprised many. However that proved to be the ultimate factor that propelled United’s performance in the second half. Chris Smalling headed in United’s first goal, and a classy passing move allowed Nani to smash in the equalizer. With the scoreboard showing 2-2, it was a treat for Fergie, who for once saw the true capabilities of the younger Devils.
Nani scored his second goal and also the winner in the end, as he capitalized from a defensive mishap by Vincent Kompany, and showed plenty of maturity by tricking Hart before scoring the coveted goal. Once again, it was barely a meaningful tie, but the victory projected a futuristic United image to the world.
3. Impeccable 8-2 victory over Arsenal
It’s acceptable that Arsenal fielded a depleted side. But that did not advocate any sort of drubbing. It was United’s superiority that shone impeccably as they exposed every single drawback in the Gunners, leaving Arsene Wenger to curse his luck after losing Samir Nasri and Fabregas only recently.
Wayne Rooney smashed in a hat-rick, and Ashley Young curled in two beauties to justify his price tag. Nani, Welbeck, and Park Ji Sung scored one apiece to complete the enthralling rout. Arsenal’s strikes from Van Persie and Walcott seemed more of a consolation, as Fergie’s boys stole all the limelight with an 8-2 scoreline. It was essential to applaud Ferguson after this match as United fans were treated to another fantastic performance by their young stars.
For Arsenal, it was yet another ‘defeat’ after losing Fabregas and Nasri to transfers away from the club. However, it’s crucial to note that the Gunners have bounced back impressively since.
2. The unveiling of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand
For a man who has been at the throne of Manchester United for 25 years, it is more than a deserving gift for Sir Alex Ferguson. In celebrating his 25th year anniversary with the club, Manchester United renamed the North Stand as the Sir Alex Ferguson stand. The beauty of it was, the whole process was kept a secret until it was unveiled before the Premier League match against Sunderland in November.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford was absolutely mind blowing as the crowd cheered for the man that they have became so accustomed to seeing on the Man United bench. It was a no mean feat to be at the helm for 25 years, but the fact that he synchronised his tenure with brilliant success is even more appealing.
1. Manchester United’s title celebration in May
They won the title a week ago against Blackburn Rovers. But it has to be celebrated at Old Trafford. There was no excuse. For all the jeers from Liverpool fanatics. For that taunting banner that was unveiled more than a decade ago. The moment was right for a sumptuous celebration and Manchester United did just that.
The victory was not a mere title triumph. One would have to study English football’s history to understand the collateral meaning behind the terrific achievement. 19 league titles was a phrase that became popular with the United fans and different taunt banners were raised against Liverpool faithfuls. For this alone, their historic 20th title win deserves to be Manchester United’s top moment of 2011.
