Season review : Manchester United

The 2011-12 season for United saw them annihilate rivals, get crushed by minnows at home and then welcome back a legend; go from the peak of elation to the depths of depression in less than three minutes. To say that this campaign was emotionally exhausting and draining would be an understatement. We take a look back at it all .

The summer transfer window saw United move quickly in the market to sign one of the most coveted young goalkeepers in the world, David de Gea for 19 million. To take over van der Saar’s position would be no easy task as the young Spaniard would soon find out. Ashley Young was brought in for 17 million and Phil Jones was acquired for 17 million from Blackburn as well. The protracted Sneijder saga eventually broke down. The non-acquisition of an attacking midfielder led to many people scratching their heads, as it was a position which needed immediate addressing.

The season kicked off at Wembley in the traditional curtain raiser – the Community Shield – against cross city rivals Manchester City. City made their intent clear from the very beginning and smashed in two by the end of the first half. De Gea could be held at fault for the second goal as he reacted too slowly to the Dzeko’s long range shot. In the 2^nd half however, in typical United fashion, they brought the game to parity. Just when the match appeared poised to go to penalties, United, while defending a set piece launched a counter attack and Nani pounced upon a rare Kompany mistake to race clear, round a hapless Hart and put the ball into the back of the net. First day at office and a medal to show for it – definitely not a bad way to begin your career at the club for the new signings.

The league began for the Devils at The Hawthorns and a comfortable 1-2 victory was secured. In the 3^rd gamesweek, City inflicted a 1-5 thrashing on Tottenham. United showed that whatever City could do, they could do better by absolutely destroying their rivals Arsenal in a 8-2 domination the very same day, a match whose mere memory will invoke nightmares for the gooners for years to come.

United lost their defensive cornerstone and captain Vidic to injury till the end of season midway through the season. The armband was handed over to Evra who seemed burdened all season by its weight. It was evident immediately in the Manchester Derby when the entire defense seemed at sixes and sevens against a fluid, easy-on-the-eye display by the Man City players who picked apart at will by Silva. The logic of Evra and Ferdinand being so far up the pitch when losing 3-1 at the 88^th minute and not rectifying the mistake upon conceding yet again in stoppage time was unbelievable and reeked of lunacy. Yes, United never give up but at some stage, it becomes a lost cause and damage control becomes the prime objective. The 3 goals conceded in quick succession after 1-3 did come back to haunt United when they lost the title to City on goal difference.

At that time however, the game itself represented only just 3 points lost. United kept the heat up by 3 consecutive 1-0 victories. City however, were on a rampage and brushed apart almost everyone who stood in their way. By the end of December, City had built up a formidable lead over United who stood second. Sir Alex realised that something would need to done to rebuild United’s challenge. However, he has always been averse to buying in the January transfer window.

In the Carling Cup, United were pitted against Aldershot Town and comfortably won 3-0 away from home. The next round saw them face a struggling Championship side Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Ferguson fielded a young side in the normal process of blooding them into the first team. United went behind after a 40 yard Darren Ambrose thunderbolt which went straight for the top corner; Ben Amos, even at full stretch, had no chance. Macheda soon equalised rom a penalty. The game went to extra time and United conceded a set piece near the edge of the box which subsequently led to a goal for the visitors. Even though the goal was marginally offside and knocked United out, Palace deserved to go through for the sheer cheek of that Ambrose stunner.

The European Misadventure

When the draw for Champions League group stage was made, United were sorted into a relatively easy group with Benfica, Basel and Otelul Galati. Or so it appeared. United could claim victory only over Otelul Galati in two matches, drawing three others and losing the decisive match against Basel who survived the United onslaught to emerge victorious. United were shell-shocked, from CL finalists to Europa in 7 months was too big a fall. Most of the criticism directed at United stemsfrom this very failure in Europe.

Attention next turned to the less glamorous European competition. It was an opportunity to acquire a trophy which United had never won. United faced a youthful Ajax side which almost caused an upset . Next up were Athletic Bilbao who won comfortably at Old Trafford. The 3-2 defeat for United at home hid the fact that United were torn to shreds that night with Rafael to blame for Muniain’s goal. Bilbao won the 2nd leg of the tie at home as well by a 2-1 scoreline delivering the knockout blow.

The Return of a Legend

The Champions League exit, together with the dominance of City, forced Ferguson’s hand. The solution to the midfield conundrum was obvious enough. Scholes came out of retirement to help his beloved United hanging in the balance upon the Scotsman’s persuasion. The impact was immediate, United took an impressive 34 points from the next 36. City had to lose Yaya and Kolo Toure to AFCON. Yaya’s absence as the midfield dynamo from City’s starting lineup saw them stumble all through January to mid-Feb. The two factors combined meant that United had eliminated the gap between them and City. Now when have we heard that before ? Towards the end of March and United went ahead of City.

If you let him play, he can kill you, and for me he was so underrated. The way he plays: one touch, arriving late into the box, the way he strikes the ball, his vision, his passing. Incredible. – Henry on Scholes

In the FA Cup, Scholes returned and came on from the bench as United beat City 3-2 at Etihad and exacted some revenge for the league defeat. They next faced perennial rivals Liverpool at Anfield who somehow managed their best in the Cups despite struggling in the league. Liverpool won 2-1 ending United’s domestic cup commitments. This allowed United to focus on the league and concentrate on catching up with noisy neighbours.

On April 8, after Arsenal had beaten City at the Emirates, United held an 8 point lead over City going into the business end of the season. On paper, United also had an easier run-in compared to City who had to face the likes of Newcastle. Everyone assumed the title race was over and that United would claim their 20^th title.

“When a horse smells his stable…it is difficult to stop them when they’re in the final sprint.” – Wenger

But that is what makes the PL the best in the world for the sheer unpredictability of it. Minnows Wigan who were expected to roll over when United went visiting, stunningly defeated them 1-0 and then went on to claim the scalps of Arsenal and Newcastle as well. The biggest surprise of all was Everton coming back from a two goal deficit twice to claim a 4-4 draw in the final 10 minutes. The title decider was to played at the Etihad next. An emphatic Kompany header saw City pull level with United and go on top of the table on goal difference. The two teams were still level going into the last match and United had resigned themselves to losing the 20^th title. What followed was the most exciting finish to the title race of the Premier League era. City were somehow behind to a 10 man QPR going into stoppage time which had United fans jubiliant. City however, pulled deep into the reservoirs of mental strength and scored two ironically in “Fergie time” to win the title after 44 years. United fans were despondent because they suddenly had hope when there seemed to be none, only to see it snatched away in a heart-breaking fashion.

Off-the-field

In off the field matters, de Gea was allegedly caught stealing a doughnut. Rooney was slapped with a massive fine for breaking curfew and showing up with a hangover in training before the match. Ferguson has always had a no-nonsense approach and dropped him for the match against the Rovers. United lost to Blackburn that day. The North Stand was renamed as the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand as a tribute to their manager who celebrated 25 years in charge. Ferguson himself seemed genuinely surprised after making his way to the centre of the pitch before kick-off through a guard of honour made of both teams plus the match officials. Then there was the ugly Evra-Suarez racism issue about which the less said the better. Suffice it to say that Liverpool shot themselves in the foot and had a massive PR disaster. One of the most talented youngster,s Ravel Morriso,n who has always landed himself in trouble, joined the Hammers for a fee believed to be in the region of 1.1 million. Pogba’s future is also uncertain as he has flirted with Juventus throughout the second half of the season. What these players do not realise is that they need United and not the other way round.

Conclusion

An objective analysis however shows that not all is doom and gloom for United. The only criticism which can be leveled at Ferguson is for the team’s lackluster performances in Europe which he will definitely look to address this summer. United were hampered by a lot of injuries including losing Vidic for the entire season and Fletcher taking an extended break towards the end of November due to continuing health problems. Fear remains over Fletcher’s playing career which might come to a premature end. Rooney added another dimension to his game dropping deeper and deeper into midfield to help out the team. Despite the flak Evans took for his poor performances , the boss stood firmly by him. He repaid the faith by turning in excellent performances in the second part of the season and is definitely a contender for one of the most improved players of the season. De Gea also took some time to adapt to the physical aspect of English football but has since churned out some solid performances. The fact that despite these impediments, United lost out on the title only on goal difference is a testament to their resolve and grit. As far as the rise of City is concerned, one thing we have all learned over the years is that Ferguson never gives up. If anything, he has shown he can adapt perfectly and expect him to come back with vengeance. Alex Ferguson was back in his Carrington office on 14^th May at 7.30 AM as usual, planning for the next season. Rivals beware.