Man United’s Top 10 ‘Significant Moments’ of the decade

A familiar sight for United fans

Man United have gone through quite a tumultuous decade. They have fallen and risen, experiencing both sweet success and bitter defeat on field as well as a number of off field incidents. Despite this they have remained the number one club in England as we enter a new decade they remain the team to beat join me as I count down some of the bigger moments in the past 10 years at Old Trafford.

• Sir Alex Ferguson pre announcing his retirement

Many cite this as the reason for United’s slump in the middle of the decade (as well as the mediocre players) and Ferguson himself claims his decision to do so affected his ability to control and discipline the team. His decision to not retire in February 2002 was met with a mixed response from fans and reading back on some of the comments they are actually quite laughable. Kevin in Ireland shame on you!

Fergie’s getting a bit too old to stay at a top Premiership team. We saw signs of that pressure at the start of the season. He’s definitely not the manager of previous seasons and should go now and enjoy some time with his family. After all, that was the reason he stated for wanting to leave Man Utd.

• Winning the Premier League in 2003

This season was testimony to the the clubs fighting spirit as they at the start of March Arsenal sat atop the table 8 points clear but United never gave up and fought back drawing 2-2 at Highbury in April to put the destination of the Premier League back in their own hands and when Arsenal lost to Leeds 3-2 at Highbury, it was mission complete as United won the league by 5 points.

• Signing Wayne Rooney

United are still reaping the benefits of this, as seen on Sunday against Hull. Signing for United in August 2004 at just 18, The ‘White Pele’ has justified his lofty transfer fee with spectacular performances and goals and the best thing is that at just 24, Rooney will continue to excite and delight us for years to come.

• Signing Cristiano Ronaldo

If we are to mention Rooney then Ronny too must get a mention! One of the best players to ever don a United shirt, Ronaldo’s progress was a marvel to watch as he grew into the number 7. Silky skills, pace to burn and a multitude of goals helped reinvigorate United and in 07/08 his 42 goals helped United to a memorable League and European Cup double. Viva Ronaldo!

• Playing in the inaugural Club World Cup

Although the decision was taken in 1999, United decision to play in the first ever Club World Cup held in Brazil caused an uproar as it meant United, at the FA’s behest, would miss out on the 2000 FA Cup. The club was accused of disrespecting the oldest cup competition in world football, so it was no surprise that the rest of the country laughed as United crashed out of the competition in the group stages.

• Roy Keane’s departure from Old Trafford

The fiery Irish man was never one to hold his tongue but when he let rip criticising his team mates following a defeat to Middlesbrough in 2005, you could not help but be in shock. Keane layed into his team mates on MUTV with ferocity and left Fergie with no other option but to show his captain the door.

• Winning the Premier League in 2007

When Chelsea appointed Jose Mourinho in 2004, he turned the West London club into what looked like an invincible machine. This was not helped by the fact that United were going through a transitional period but by 2006 United’s team had begun to take shape as players matured and settled at the club. United derailed Mourinho’s men and returned the title back to Old Trafford for the first time since 2003 with 6 points to spare. It would mark the start of another United period of domination.

• Winning the Champions League in 2008

United had not won the Champions League since that night in Barcelona in 1999 despite coming close numerous times. but in 2007/2008, the club was not to be denied and 50 years on from the Munich air disaster, United did the Busby Babes proud by taking the trophy on a wet night in Moscow. United went through the competition undefeated and Cristiano Ronaldo was the top scorer as they triumphed over Chelsea in the final on penalties.

• Ryan Giggs breaking United’s appearance record

That night in the Luzhniki Stadium was special for other reasons as it saw one of the club’s greatest servants break Sir Bobby Charlton’s long standing appearance record. Coming on as sub for Paul Scholes late in the game, it was written in the stars that Giggs would score what proved to be the winning penalty.

• The Cristiano Ronaldo Saga

There had been behind the scenes rumours of Ronaldo being unhappy at United even after winning the Champions League and that summer it looked like the best player in the world was off to Madrid, a team he had dreamed of playing for since he was a child. Yet Fergie managed to persuade him to stay and he helped United to another Premier League title. But the flirtation with with Madrid left a mark on his stay at Old Trafford. On June 11th, despite Fergie claiming he wouldn’t sell Real a virus, we accepted an offer of £80m for the Portuguese winger. After 6 eventful years at Old Trafford, albeit a year late, Real finally got their man.

There is hardly a dull moment at Old Trafford and I’m guessing the next decade will be as eventful as this. I leave you with highlights of United’s double winning 07/08 season, enjoy.