Manchester United in 2011: Moments captured in pictures

2011 was a historic year for the red part of Manchester as United lifted an unprecedented 19th league title. Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson completed 25 years at the helm of United, a feat which is self-explanatory about his undying service, devotion and love for the club. But the year wasn’t all hunky-dorey as United succumbed to another Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, the second time in a space of 3 years. We look at the happy and the sad moments of Manchester United in pictures.

Feb 1: Rooney’s brace helped United record a 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, thereby equalling the club record of 29 games without defeat in the league, a run which matched the glorious invincible streak during the treble-winning season of 98/99.

Feb 2: Manchester United legend Gary Neville announced his retirement from football after 20 glorious years in service. United’s second longest serving player made 602 appearances for the club, from his debut against Torpedo Moscow in ’92 to his final game against West Brom on New Year’s Day in ’11.

Feb 12: It was the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford and both sides were locked at 1-1 until Wayne Rooney decided to weave some of his magic with an insane overhead kick, a wondrous goal which sent the entire footballing fraternity into disbelief and admiration.

April 16: United succumbed to a heartbreaking defeat to their ‘Noisy Neighbours’ in the FA Cup semi-final. United’s wait for their first FA Cup crown since 03/04 continued as City showed first real signs of rising as a future power in English football.

May 8: United faced second-placed Chelsea at home in a decisive encounter as the Blues were just 3 points behind. Chicharito and Vidic sealed a 2-1 victory and with two games to go, United already had one hand on the league trophy.

May 22: United lifted their 19th league title, breaking Liverpool‘s long-standing record and reaffirming their status as the most successful football club in England. They said ‘Come back when you’ve won 18′. Well, here we are, SAT ON YOUR PERCH.

May 28: It was one of the saddest days for Manchester United in recent times as they were humbled by Barcelona in the final of the Champions League for the second time in three years. United were completely outplayed at Wembley, leaving millions of supporters worldwide in shock and despair.

May 28: Edwin Van Der Sar decided to draw the curtains on a highly illustrious career spanning two decades. His six years with United had been the most fruitful and successful and the Flying Dutchman had occupied a corner in every United loyal’s heart.

May 31: Ginger prince Paul Scholes, considered by many as one of the best midfielders of his generation, announced his retirement from football after 20 years at Old Trafford. His trademark long balls, piercing through-ball and pile-drivers were sure to be missed by one and all.

June: The club witnessed one of its busiest transfer windows ever with Sir Alex recruiting new players to replace the retired trio. He bought in Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea for a total purse of over £50 million as he tried to build a fresh and young team for a brand new season. Meanwhile, long-serving players Wes Brown and John O’Shea moved to Sunderland in search of more regular first team football. This period also saw one of the longest running transfer sagas as Wesley Sneijder’s proposed move to Manchester took numerous turns and twists before culminating into a no-deal.

Aug 7: United lifted 19th Community Shield courtesy an injury time winner by Nani in an exciting encounter against crosstown rivals City. The win ensured that the Reds held bragging rights over their promising rivals at the start of a brand new season.

Aug 28: This day will be etched into every fan’s memory till eternity. United’s historic and quite incredible 8-2 mauling of rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford sent millions of fans into celebration and the Gunners were left wondering what really happened in those 90 minutes.

Oct 23: A bumper crowd at Old Trafford on Manchester Derby Day was witness to one of the darkest 90 minutes as United were thrashed 6-1 by Manchester City. The manner of the victory and the mockery and humiliation that followed was unbearable.

Nov 5: Sir Alex Ferguson completed 25 years in-charge of Manchester United, a figure so astounding and astonishing in itself. The club paid tribute to a legend by unveiling the rechristened North Stand as the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, to the complete surprise of an emotional Sir Alex.

Nov 30: United were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Championship side Crystal Palace at Old Trafford as the young guns failed to deliver. Although Sir Alex might argue that the competition is a stage to test the bench strength, but losing out at home to a second division side did hurt the United faithful.

Dec 7: The moment that every United fan feared, the moment when United were unceremoniously bundled out of the prestigious Champions League by unheralded Basel. It was only the third instance in 17 years that the European giants failed to make it to the knockout stage. And to make matters worse, Nemanja Vidic, the heart of United’s defence, was ruled out for the rest of the reason after twisting his knee in the same match.

December: An acute injury crisis hit Carrington Road as several first team players were injured, leaving Sir Alex with very limited options and a makeshift line-up. Vidic, Fletcher were to miss the rest of the season while Cleverly, Rafael, Fabio, Anderson, Owen and Smalling were on the treatment table.

Best moment of 2011?

Worst moment of 2011?