5 most memorable matches of the decade

As another decade draws to a close, so does another chapter in the history of United. Eleven more major honours have been added to the trophy cabinet, as Fergie and his team’s dominance of English football stretches to nearly 20 years. 

1st

Chelsea – Champions League Final –  2007/08 – Moscow

1-1

United win 6-5 on pens

There was only ever going to be one game at the top of the list. Nine years after Barcelona, 40 years after Wembley and 50 years after Munich, United finally became Champions of Europe again on a rain-soaked Moscow night. One of the closest and best European finals in many a year had everything, and the outcome was impossible to guess, right up until Edwin Van Der Sar palmed away Anelka’s penalty, almost three hours after the drama had first begun. On a night where Ryan Giggs made United history in his 759th game for the club, Fergie finally realised his ambition again, in the perfect tribute to the fallen Busby Babes half a century before.   
2nd

Barcelona – Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg – 2007/08 – Old Trafford

1-0

In terms of pure nail-biting tension, the road to Moscow couldn’t have been more dramatic. And it could have all been so different. If only Ronaldo had scored from the penalty spot in the Nou Camp, United could have already had one foot in the final. As it was, Old Trafford saw one of its greatest nights, as Paul Scholes’ wonder strike was heroically defended for well over an hour. As wave after wave of Catalan attack was turned away, with Wes Brown especially having the game of his life, United sensed the nine year itch for their place in a Champions League final would finally be scratched. When the ref finally blew for time, pandemonium ensued, and the first all-English European Cup final was secured.  
3rd 

Roma – Champions League Quarter Final 2nd Leg – 2006/07 – Old Trafford

7-1

Arguably United’s finest ever European display. Coming in to the game trailing 2-1 on aggregate, the media and supporters alike saw United’s chances of progression as 50-50. By half time, there was no need for concern, as United had blitzed the Italians with four goals, every one of them a contender for goal of the month. The counter attacking play with Rooney and Ronaldo was breathtaking, and for the first time in years it was widely believed that United’s young stars stood on the brink of conquering Europe. Three more stunning goals followed after the break, and although United’s journey was ended by Milan in the semi finals, it wouldn’t be long before glory on the continent was realised.
4th

Aston Villa – Premiership – 2008/09 – Old Trafford

3-2

With the Premiership title still on the line after a couple of poor results, United knew that a win over Villa would be a massive step closer to number 18. That win came, but only after one of the finest 90 minutes the Premier League has ever witnessed. With United trailing going into the last ten minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo showed his brilliance once again by levelling things with his second of the game. But for once, the Portuguese didn’t steal the show. That job was left to 17-year-old Federico Macheda, coming off the bench for his United debut. Deep into stoppage time, his turn and shot into the top corner of the net had the same effect as Bruce in 1993. United wouldn’t be denied, and parity with Liverpool in domestic supremacy was restored.
5th

Manchester City – Premiership – 2009/10 – Old Trafford

4-3

One of the most eagerly anticipated Manchester derbies in years finally saw big-spending and big-mouthed City the chance to show they meant business. When Wayne Rooney scored almost immediately, it looked as if United would hold the bragging rights a bit longer. And it would have been plain sailing, but for a mixture of woeful goalkeeping by Ben Foster coupled by a serious lack of cutting edge in front of goal, with Dimitar Berbatov the main culprit. That allowed Craig Bellamy double strike to give City a hope, although Darren Fletcher’s similar contribution gave United a slender 3-2 lead heading into injury time. However, when Rio Ferdinand had a moment of pure arrogance, pure stupidity or just being hopelessly careless (you can make your own choice from that list), his flick was intercepted by Bellamy to level. Cue Michael Owen. If he was looking for a way to truly endear himself to the Stretford End, he found it. In the 97th minute, he controlled Ryan Giggs’ stunning though ball to perfection, before slotting past Shay Given. The Derby may have seen plenty over the years, but this ending was up there with the very best.

By Matt Lihou