Also in this series:

Tottenham Hotspur 3-5 Manchester United 29/09/01

What a truly magical Manchester United performance. 3-0 down at half-time and a huge defeat was on the cards. But Sir Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer must have done the trick at the interval as United had responded from their dismal first half to score five goals. David Beckham, Laurent Blanc, Andy Cole, Van Nistelrooy and Juan Veron all scored in a remarkable Premier League game.

Manchester United  4-3  Real Madrid 23/04/03

This unforgettable European night will also be remembered, not just because of the seven goals scored, or the fact that the world’s best team at the time were beaten, but because this was David Beckham’s final game in Europe in a red shirt. And fittingly, Beckham scored a brace, including a trademark free kick against his prospective employers. Still the victory was a losing cause as Madrid had beaten United 3-1 in the first leg.

Manchester United 7-1 Roma 10/04/07

Another European night not to be forgotten. Beaten 2-1 a fortnight ago, the Red Devils needed to play better. And play better they did, almost scoring for fun. Michael Carrick set the tone with a lovely strike before Alan Smith’s majestic goal had made it 2-0. Rooney and Ronaldo had scored before half time, Rooney’s goal particularly ’scintillating’ in commentator’s Clive Tyldesley view.

Ronaldo scored his second shortly after the break, Carrick had once again struck with a sweet shot on the edge of the area. The visitors pulled a goal back, before Evra’s strike had brought the deficit back to six. Watch all the goals here.

Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (Pen 6-5) 21/05/08

If John Terry hadn’t missed that decisive penalty then of course Chelsea would have been champions. But it wasn’t to be for the skipper, and the rest they say is history. When Van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka’s penalty, Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium was sent in raptures.  67,000 had watched one of the most tense Champions League finals ever, eventually decided on penalties after first half goals by Ronaldo and Lampard.

Manchester United 3-2 Aston Villa 05/04/09

No one had heard of this young lad outside Old Trafford. With the score at 2-1 and Aston Villa heading for a famous victory that would surely dent United’s hopes of a third successive title, teenager Federico Macheda was brought on.

With ten minutes left on the clock, Ronaldo had equalised with a low shot which had beaten the goalkeeper. And with precious little time left, Macheda had found the ball in space, turned the defender and his shot had beaten the ‘keeper all ends up. A dream debut for someone who wasn’t even supposed to play, and a game that would always be remembered.

Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City 20/09/09

A great Manchester derby at Old Trafford which had everything. Controversy, blunders and last minute drama, this match had it all. Craig Bellamy had taken full advantage from a Rio Ferdinand mistake with a goal which put the scores level with only added time to play.

But as the game grew closer to an end, Michael Owen was free in space and finished confidently to seal victory for the Red Devils. City were furious, claiming the allocated added time had already been played. Calls fell on deaf ears, and a dramatic derby had come to a close.

• The Top Six: Moments of the Decade
• The Top Six: Signings of the Decade
• The Top Six: Goals of the Decade

Another in the Top Six series, this time looking at the signings of the decade. You can also check out the two previous articles in this series, the Moments of the Decade and the Goals of the Decade.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy (£19m)

The signing striker was a risk – Van Nistelrooy was prone to injuries and before and during his Manchester United career he had a number of injuries. But it turned out to be £19 million well spent, as the Dutch striker had achieved many feats such as scoring more goals than any Man Utd player in Europe (second highest in history). He was also named PFA Player of the Year in 2002, as well as winning the Golden Boot the following year.

Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.2m)

We didn’t know too much about him when he first arrived. But, Cristiano Ronaldo wasted little time settling into his new home, and before you knew it, he’s scoring goals for fun and winning awards left, right and centre.

Plenty of great moments for the winger that he will never forget, including the 40-yard goal against Porto. Or the free-kick against Portsmouth. Or the ‘Superman’ header against Roma. All great goals in their own way. But without doubt, the 42-goal season will be something to tell the grandkids. Named FIFA Footballer of the Year isn’t too shabby, either.

Rio Ferdinand (£29m)

The rock at the back has been terrific since being banned for missing his drugs test back in 2002, having captained the side to the Champions League and Premier League double in 2008, as well as winning the league again following year.

Though he has been under a lot of scrutiny this season, there’s no doubting what he brings to United, and when he comes back from what has been a rather long stay on the sidelines he, hopefully, can perform like we know he can do. And if fit, of course he’s going to go to the World Cup. And if he does stay fit, fingers crossed, we can look forward to another edition of Rio’s World Cup Wind-Ups.

Wayne Rooney (£27m)

A lot of pressure on you if you’ve just been signed for under £30million. But on his debut in front of a packed Old Trafford, he had one of those games that he will always treasure. A hat-trick on debut, including a beauty of a free-kick is one to tell Kai Wayne about.

He is more than a striker. A hard-working, tireless, versatile forward who not only scores goals but creates them too. His link up play, ability to spot a pass, or the fact that he can shoot from distance with accuracy is just some of the many good things you could say about him.

Nemanja Vidic (£7m)

£7m for a defender that is now recognised as one of the world best surely has to be one of Sir Alex’s best buys. Another rock at the back, who with Ferdinand has helped win titles for the club just because of their consistency. The man who helped the club earn a record 14 consecutive clean sheets last season.

Edwin van der Sar (£2m)

The veteran goalkeeper has won nearly everything before joining the club, and when he arrived at Old Trafford, he has helped United win everything. One of the best ‘keepers around, he’s the one to thank for the 14 consecutive clean sheet record the season before. The Dutch goalkeeper is showing little signs of ageing, continuing to make the top-class saves that he has done for years. Injuries are a slight problem.

Manchester United have had so many unforgettable moments, some good, some bad, some ugly. Here, after some thought, I pick six which I think are the not to be forgotten, exceptional moments from the Noughties.

Controversy as Man Utd withdraw from FA Cup, 2000

Having won the European Cup in 1999, Manchester United had withdrew from the FA Cup so they could play in the first ever Club World Championship. They were criticised for lack of respect to the competition that they had won the previous year.

When United took part in the inaugural competition over in Brazil, they picked up just four points out of a total nine, crashing out of the group stages after finishing third place. Read more about that here.

Sir Alex’s U-turn, 2002

It is difficult to imagine life without Sir Alex Ferguson. He nearly left the club in 2002, announcing he would retire, but made a U-turn and decided that he would want to stay on. Eight years on, he has won a host of trophies and has no plans to quit in the near future. This surely has to be one of the defining moments of the decade.

Beckham given the boot, 2003

The moment which had brought an end to David Beckham’s illustrious career at Old Trafford. A frustrated Sir Alex Ferguson had kicked a boot straight at Beckham’s forehead. Still, Beckham had left the club on a high-note after scoring in his last ever game, as well as scoring a famous double against his future employers Real Madrid in his final Champions League game.

Debt-free United plunged into the red due to Glazer takeover 2005

Manchester United were free of debt before the American tycoon Malcolm Glazer came to Old Trafford. Everything changed since their arrival and fans were so sick of this takeover, the non-league club FC United was formed.

Manchester United crowned European Champions again, 2008

Every cup victory is always special. This one even more so, because the Red Devils were a penalty away from being knocked out. If John Terry had scored his penalty in that rainy night in Moscow, Chelsea would’ve been won the Champions League.

After Terry had slipped and hit the post, Ryan Giggs scored the following penalty before Nicolas Anelka had missed, and Manchester United were crowned champions of Europe. Months later, they were crowned champions of the world, winning the Club World Cup in Japan.

Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford after months of transfer saga, 2009

The great no.7 was always going to leave Old Trafford one day for Real Madrid. During his time at United, the Footballer of the Year had done everything for the club, including his magical 42-goal season. The Champions League final defeat to Barcelona was his last ever game, leaving the club for a record £70m.

——

Coming soon: The Top Six: Signings of the Decade

Also read: The Top Six: Goals of the Decade

A little over a month ago, I did a piece on some of Manchester United’s future prospects, and quite embarrassingly, I forgot to include one of the standout performers in the United reserves this season, young Norweigan midfielder Magnus Eikrem.

Slowly, but surely, he is catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson. He was among the substitutes against Wolfsburg, suggesting that he may be next in the pecking order after Darron Gibson and it could mean that the next decade may see a new Old Trafford star, maybe another name to add of the long list of players who have developed into top players under Fergie.

A hard working midfielder, much like Fletcher or Scholes, who also specialises in set-pieces. He can spot a pass too, and as a result of his ability in the centre of the park he is a regular with the reserve side.

His lethal set-pieces is something that has caught most peoples eyes. Reserve coach Solskjaer said shortly after he had scored a winning free-kick against Middlesbrough:

“We know Magnus is a talented player. I’ve known him since he was 12 years of age and of course I’m very, very pleased for him when he scores goals like this. He practices them all the time, every single day in training sessions, so when he gets the reward of the winning goal it’s great for him.”

It was Solskjaer who spotted him in 2006 at his own soccer school. He made a good impression when he first joined Manchester United, and so far things have worked according to plan.

His vision, passing, ability to shoot and his height are reasons why Eikrem may well be a new star, and just by watching him with the second-string side, you could tell that this young kid from Norway is the real deal. He has the potential to succeed with the Red Devils, recognised by Sir Alex Ferguson earlier this season, as he had awarded him the no.42 shirt.

Fulham 3-0 Manchester United: Match Observations

After this showing, question marks will be raised over Manchester United and their hopes of defending their crown this season. Is it really because United are struggling without Ronaldo or something else? I have, and still, believed that the Red Devils can win the Premier League title again this year, despite already suffering our fifth defeat of the campaign, or Chelsea having another chance to extend their lead at the top of the table.

The performance in west London was shocking. Not exaggeration, United were well and truly beaten, and deservedly so. When Fulham had scored the first goal, Man Utd did very little and was always second-best. Many will blame it on defensive problems, or the blunder from Paul Scholes (very unlike him, it must be said) leading to the first goal or the 3-5-2 formation.

Playing three at the back wasn’t the greatest decision from Sir Alex, which included two midfielders in Carrick and Fletcher and a reserve full back in Ritchie De Laet. Valencia and Evra were on the flanks, with three in the middle and two up front. Excuses aside, last year’s champions should have done better but credit must got to the Cottagers where it is due.

Before the hosts had opened the scoring, both teams were sharing possession and the final outcome of the game was unclear as both had sights of goal, though Fulham had admittedly had the better chances. And the opener came in unlikely fashion. Scholes had carelessly gave the ball away and Danny Murphy had run a few yards before unleashing a low shot which beat a slow-reacting Tom Kuszczak.

Michael Owen was quiet up front while opposite number Bobby Zamora played fantastically once again, and like Owen, someone whose dream of playing in the World Cup next year aren’t as distance as before. Zamora scored the second, straight after the interval and United’s task had been made harder against this solid and organised Fulham side.

Berbatov and Fabio were both brought on, but impact was minimal especially from the former. Fabio was busy for the minutes he did play, but some of his lay was sloppy though he saw a lot of the ball in the closing minutes. Zamora had found Duff for Fulham’s third soon after to cap off a miserable day. But, knowing Manchester United, they will probably bounce back. They usually do this time of year. Will that once again be the case this year?

Manchester United have enjoyed the noughties – plenty of titles to gloat about, plenty of records set and broken, plenty of goals scored. Goals are what I’ll focus on here, looking at the best ones from this decade. I have narrowed it down to my favorite six, but that job was harder than I had first thought as all of them are special and magnificent in their own ways.

And sure, there might be some you might not agree on, and if that’s the case give me a shout. So to find the top five, it meant that I had to dig deep into my brain, as well as Youtube and other necessary sources. (Click on the match to view the goals.)

Scholes v Panathinaikos – 2000

This is definitely one of those goals worth viewing again and again. Here is a real team goal, a string of passes from a United side which were cruising in this European Cup game, and eventually a neat backheel had found it’s way to Paul Scholes, who delicately chipped the ball into the net. One the great goals, if not the greatest.

Van Nistelrooy v Fulham – 2003

A delightful goal from the Dutch striker as he sprints from the halfway line before slotting home. This wasn’t a typical van Nistelrooy goal, that’s probably why it was special. It’s not always about long-distance strikes, and that’s why this probably deserved a place here. Great goal.

Rooney v Newcastle – 2005

This had to be included. This was hit with sheer power and accuracy. A stunning goal, and probably the best long-distant strike from Rooney, (although there are many). The ball moved in the air, so much so that Shay Given was unable to prevent it, as it would have probably needed two goalkeepers to stop this marvellous goal.

Scholes v Villa – 2006

There were plenty of Paul Scholes goals to include in the top six. I was spoilt for choice, but this volley was a trademark Scholes goal that had to be included. Similar to the Bradford one in 2000, but this one had a bit of extra magic to it.

Rooney v Bolton – 2007

This is a truly beautiful goal. A devastating one-two from United’s tow key talisman, Rooney and Ronaldo as they combined with ease, exchanging the ball numerous times in this counter-attack before Rooney dinked the ball over the Bolton ‘keeper.

Ronaldo v Porto – 2009

I didn’t include Ronaldo’s super free-kick against Portsmouth, as I decided that this stunner against Porto was slightly better. A thunderbolt, an absolute rocket. United needed a victory in this game, and got it, thanks to this strike.

Fulham’s Craven Cottage is never a particularly easy place to go. In eight games at home this season the Cottagers have lost just twice and have won five so this will not be an easy fixture by any means for Sir Alex’s men.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is a very tactically aware manager and breaking them down won’t be easy. Brede Hangeland is a top-class centre-half and in my opinion probably the best in is position outside of the top-four clubs in the Premier League. However, his partner in the heart of the Fulham defence, usually Aaron Hughes or John Pantsil, is less talented and may prove easier to crack. Their full-backs are steady, if nothing particularly special, although Paul Konchesky (left-back) is capable of hitting the odd thunderbolt and likes to get forward and support Damien Duff on the left-wing.

One man who may be a danger is striker Bobby Zamora. I know what you’re thinking and it is probably along the lines of ‘Bobby Zamora?? Do me a favour!’ but he has hit some scoring form at the moment and he is actually a better player than most give him credit for. His link up play is pretty good, he acts as a decent target man and gets in the right places to score goals. Up until recently the only thing missing were the goals but he has now scored in the last three games and looks like he may have found his confidence again. Aside from Zamora, midfielder Clint Dempsey is a quality player and has a touch of class in his play. Dempsey has five league goals to his name this season, not bad for a midfielder, and is a very hard working player – as are most of Fulham’s playing staff.

United’s injury concerns have got no better over the last week and Gary Neville (groin), Johnny Evans (calf), Wes Brown (hamstring) and John O’Shea (thigh) are all ruled out. Owen Hargreaves’ knee problem is apparently improving but I doubt he’ll play any part against Fulham. It would be great to see Hargreaves back in action after such a long spell on the sidelines (August 2008 was the last time he played) but in all honesty it looks pretty unlikely we’ll see him in action before January. The likes of Ryan Giggs (hamstring), Rio Ferdinand (calf), Edwin van der Sar (knee) and Nani (ankle) are all listed as doubtful but hopefully a couple of those players will pull through.

The bookies have United as heavy favourites to win at Craven Cottage and I’m inclined to agree with them. During the week the Cottagers faced Swiss side Basle in the Europa League and had to put in quite a shift to secure victory and ensure they made it through to the knock-out stages. In contrast United enjoyed what can only be described as a ‘stroll in the park’ against and under strength Wolves side so the United squad should head into this fresher and better prepared than Fulham. An early goal for United could make all the difference as it will force Fulham to throw more men forward and I expect Fergie’s men to take all three points back to Old Trafford with them.

Written by Gareth Freeman, a sports writer promoting Irish racing and Cheltenham 2010.

Manchester United 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Match Observations

Wolves had conceded the game before it had even started. This comfortable 3-0 defeat was nothing short of expected for Mick McCarthy it seems as he had decided to make ten changes to his side, leaving only the goalkeeper to retain his place. Such decisions are only made when you play a lower opposition, far from it in this case, or you rest players for the next game because this match isn’t as meaningful as the next one. It looked like the Irish manager knew that Manchester United would ease to victory.

That’s exactly was happened, though Wolves hadn’t played too badly in the first half, as a penalty by Wayne Rooney, a Vidic header and a sublime Antonio Valencia goal which, indeed, links to the title. Nothing to do with turkeys, mind. That goal was pure magic. A pass from Darren Fletcher to Berbatov was greeted by a good first touch, an even better second touch as he had flicked it over his head, which Valencia had smashed in the net.

The Red Devils had wasted no time settling into the game, and Rooney could have been on the scoresheet twice. First a one-on-one effort had been shot straight at Marcus Hahnemann before a deflected shot had hit the post. Wolves had a glimpse of a chance, but young Friend’s effort was blasted over.

As Wolves had slowly improved and began to settle, a moment of stupidity had led to a penalty. Ronald Zubar had batted the ball away with his hand from a corner and the ref had pointed straight to the spot. Rooney had dispatched with ease, and from then on United didn’t look back.

Nemanja Vidic bullet header had doubled the lead, shortly before the end of the first half. The header was hit so hard, that the ‘keeper’s touch wasn’t good enough to prevent it from rolling in. The first 45 was far more impressive for Sir Alex, the kind of reply he expected after that shock defeat at the hands of Aston Villa.

The second half was a stroll in the park. Possession, corners, efforts on goal, all Manchester United. The third and final goal just rounded things off in some style and this victory means that last years champions are on level points with Chelsea, though they take on strugglers Portsmouth today.

Looking at individual performances, Ritchie De Laet was very solid and didn’t have too much difficulty at right back while Gabriel Obertan and Rooney flourished as always. Vidic continued his recovery back from injury with a goal, his first of the campaign. Three points in the bag for United, making a complete turkey out of Wolves.

I didn’t expect Ryan Giggs to win the BBC Sports Personality. The bookies didn’t expect him to win (20-1 they had him), nor did the man himself. Footballers don’t normally get nominated for BBC’s prestigious, let alone win it. Just another award to the add to the never-ending list of achievements for the Premier League’s most decorated player.

Jenson Button was the favourite to land the award, but he was in second place just ahead of heptathlete Jessica Ennis in third. The other seven nominations should not have bothered coming, and were better off watching the final (at last!) of the X Factor.

“The names of genuine legends of world sport are on this trophy. I never dreamed I would win it,” said Giggs. David Beckham was one of those ‘legends’, but Giggs has definitely achieved more and his long list of honours can tell it’s own story. Eleven Premier League titles and two European cups are just some of the trophies he has won in his glitzy career, and without doubt the Welshman will add to that.

He is 36, but age hasn’t stopped him. He has been one of United’s best player this season, just like he was last season (PFA Player of the Year), and he is like football’s very own Benjamin Button. He still surprises everyone with the amount of work he does on the pitch, and his impact is priceless.

“Perhaps I’ve become more appreciated as I have got older,” said Giggs. “It’s unusual for a 36-year-old to be playing with a team like Manchester United for 20 years but I am enjoying it and long may it continue.”

20 years of consistency have paid off. How is he still able to do what he does? And how does he make the team sheet? His age plays no factor in deciding whether he plays, but it’s what he bring on the pitch. You can always depend on Ryan Giggs. Everyone believes he should be knighted, why not? Giggs deserves it, he has the X Factor, a player unlike any other.

We’ve seen worse Manchester United performances this season but while we can rue the missed chances, much praise must go to Aston Villa, who had thoroughly deserved their victory. But, although United have suffered their fourth defeat of the season, the fact that Chelsea had dropped points to Everton is some consolation to a bad day.

It was a disappointment all in all, once Villa had scored, the Red Devils simply did not do enough and lacked some steel in the final third. The visitors had not beaten United at home for 26 years. But this match will live long in their memory, and owe many thanks to their two centre-halves Carlos Cuellar and ex- City captain Richard Dunne.

Manchester United had been in good form and that had been evident in the first quarter. Players had created fine understanding with each other in recent weeks, but despite the possession and the fact the Villains were on the back foot, nothing really materialised.

The away side did have some chances and had scored the first and only goal, a lovely one too,  a nice combination between Ashley Young and Gabirel Agbonlahor, where the latter had passed the ball to the former on the flank, only to receive it once in position and well timed cross had found the head of Agbonlahor and it was 1-0. A fine goal had undone United.

Much blame may go to Tomasz Kuszczak, who apart form that didn’t play too badly, as he was static and had done little to prevent the goal. The Pole had been in good form of late, and Sir Alex will have to stick by him during Van der Sar’s absence though Ben Foster will be breathing down his neck. Shortly after the goal, he denied Heskey being clear on goal intercepting an Agbonlahor pass all due to a Fletcher mistake.

Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov had been brought on, but the hat-trick hero in midweek was quiet, though Berbatov made a slight impact but nothing so big. Rooney, who had been earlier booked for diving, was tireless and worked so hard for United, he was undoubtedly the best player.

When Three minutes was signalled, Sir Alex was unsurprisingly fuming. And after the game he said that he believes the ref shouldn’t be the one who is left calculating the time.”It has to be taken out of the referee’s hands. “There were two stoppages of two minutes three seconds, but we only played three minutes added time.” This is, sadly, something I have to disagree on.