Everything looked to be going so well. On the back of three Premier League titles in a row, two Champions League finals in a row, one of them successful, and a Carling Cup and World Club Cup trophy to go with the long list of trophies United had been collecting since 2007. When United won the league back in 2003, it seemed as if nothing would go wrong, but a transition period was on its way, with youngsters such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney etc about to make their impact onto the world stage.
This season, everything looked set up for another fantastic year for the Red Devils. But worries about the clubs financial situation were emphasised with the sale of World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a staggering £80m. This, coupled with the departure of Carlos Tevez to rival big spenders Manchester City, and things didn't look particularly fruity going into the new season. Sir Alex's signings left much to the imagination. The £16m spent on Wigan's Antonio Valencia was questionned, as was the free transfer of ex-Liverpool hero Michael Owen. United had originally planned to spend over £20m on Lyon's Karim Benzema, but he also decided to join the 'Real' revolution. So when his replacement signing turned out to be an injury prone free transfer, questions were more than likely going to be asked.
As usual with United, the season was full of ups and downs. Lets get the downs out of the way. United's first away trip of the season started with a trip to newly promoted Burnley, surely an easy three pointer. But no, the spirit of the Burnley team, coupled with the electric atmosphere and a one in a million strike from Robbie Blake, United crashed to defeat at Turf Moor, a result which would cost them dear. Chelsea were United's main rivals for the season and two defeats to the Blues did nothing to help Fergie's title ambitions. Both were highly contested and decided by questionnable refereeing decisions. John Terry's winner at Stamford Bridge after a debateable free-kick decision, and Didier Drogba being a country mile offside to put Ancelotti's men 2-0 up at Old Trafford, leaving United with next to no chance of a comeback. Coming up to christmas, Fulham were in inspired form under Roy Hodgson and Craven Cottage was becoming somewhat of a fortrace. United went in to the game with an injury ridden defense, with young Belgian Ritchie De Laet at right back and centre midfielders Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher covering at centre back. The Reds crashed to a 3-0 hammering.
The major down in many United's fans hearts came at the turn of the decade. Leeds United visited Old Trafford for the first time in seven years, two divisions further down and nowhere near as strong as they once were. But the Yorkshiremen arrived at Old Trafford in great form, whereas the title holders were playing poorly. Despite a fairly strong side Jermaine Beckford gave the Whites an unexpected lead infront of a stunned Stretford End and sent Leeds on their way to glory. United's Wayne Rooney couldn't find the net after a stunning display by Leeds goalie Casper Ankergren, and a stellar performance from centre backs Richard Naylor and Aussie Patrick Kisnorbo. Despite the intro's of Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen the Reds couldn't break down the Leeds barrier. The Ecuadorian wreaked havoc on the wing and provided endless opportunities to equalize, but Leeds were threatening on the counter and Beckford could, and should, have wrapped the game up when he fired wide. Sub Robert Snodgrass struck the post but Leeds held on to strike a dagger into the hearts of the Old Trafford faithful.
More downs were to come in the face of Champions League woe. United had qualified from their group and swept aside AC Milan in a stunning display at Old Trafford. Despite taking a very early lead away to nemesis' Bayern Munich, United crumbled and conceded a late winner in stoppage time, at the same time as Wayne Rooney's 'ankle-gate' began, the England striker hobbling off as Bayern went on to score. In the return leg, United were in stunning form, Rooney had made a miraculous recovery, and the Reds were two up inside 6 minutes, before Nani added a third on the half hour mark. But Bayern pulled a goal back before the break and United were on edge.
Rafael's sending off after the break was the turning point, no thanks to an overreaction from Frenchman Franck Ribery, karma would hit the winger later in the tournament. But Bayern still needed someone to stand up and be counted, and Arjen Robben did just that late on with a sensational volley from outside the box. United should have been comfortably through to the semi's, and would have had a fantastic shout at a third consecutive final, but crumbled against the Germans at home.
Fortunately at United, there are always highs. Three late derby victories against City, thanks to Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, plus a great Carling Cup triumph after coming from behind against Aston Villa at Wembley. United's best performance arguably came at the Emirates. The counter attack is a fantastic form of football and the Reds used it to great effect three times through Nani, Rooney and Park Ji-Sung. Speaking of Nani, his emergence has been a major high point in the campaign and the Portuguese winger may finally be ready to take over from Ronaldo.
Things need changing this summer, money has to be spent if we are to regain our glory and challenge for supremecy once again.
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