'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Perhaps the best word to describe the decade between 2010 and 2019 for Manchester United would be tumultuous.
Things started out well enough for the Red Devils; 2010-11 saw them capture the Premier League title for the 12th time, reaching the Champions League final in the process, and while they were unseated in the subsequent season by Manchester City, by the end of 2012-13 they were back at the top of the mountain.
However, that was also the season that saw the end of a dynasty, as Sir Alex Ferguson entered retirement and was replaced by David Moyes – and in the 6 seasons that followed, United have seen more ups and downs than your typical rollercoaster.
Despite this chaotic nature, fans of the Red Devils were still treated to some iconic matches across the 10-year period. In chronological order, here are Manchester United’s most iconic games of the decade (2010-2019).
#1 Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City – Premier League, 12th February 2011
By February 2011 it looked like Manchester United were on course to regain the Premier League title following Chelsea’s victory in the previous season, and this win over their “noisy neighbours” moved them 4 points above Arsenal in the league table.
What made this match so iconic was a single moment of genius from Wayne Rooney – who up to that point, had been having a quiet match by his standards. With less than 15 minutes remaining in the match, the score was tied at 1-1, with Nani’s first-half opener being cancelled out by a fortuitous goal from David Silva on 65 minutes.
It looked like we were heading for a draw – and if anything, City were the side pushing for a winner – but on 78 minutes, Nani sent a cross into the box that appeared to be too high for Rooney to reach. Somehow though, the England striker launched himself into the air, and met the ball with an unstoppable overhead kick that flew into the net past Joe Hart, who was frozen to the spot.
The goal was truly incredible – probably the best of Rooney’s storied career – and in 2012, it was voted the best goal of the Premier League’s first 20 years. And it proved crucial for his side, as United went onto claim their 12th Premier League title 3 months later.
#2 Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal – Premier League, 28th August 2011
United’s rivalry with Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal had defined English football in the late 90’s and then the first half of the 2000’s, with a handful of their matches – including the ones christened ‘The Battle of Old Trafford’ and ‘The Battle of the Buffet’ going down in Premier League legend. But by the early 2010’s, the Red Devils had thoroughly surpassed their London rivals, and this match proved it more than any other.
Admittedly, Wenger’s side was a makeshift one due to injuries, featuring unheralded players like Carl Jenkinson, Armand Traore and Nico Yennaris in defence, but it was still shocking to see them completely mauled by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Strangely enough, it took United until 22 minutes to open the scoring, when Danny Welbeck found the net. Moments later, United keeper David De Gea prevented an equaliser by saving a penalty from Robin Van Persie, but when half-time came with United 3-1 up – Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney adding their second and third goals, with Theo Walcott scoring for the Gunners – nobody expected what happened next.
United simply dismantled their old rivals in the second half, adding a further 5 goals; Rooney completed his hat-trick and Young his brace, with Nani and Ji Sung Park scoring the other 2. Van Persie’s 74th minute strike was barely even a consolation, and to make matters even worse, Jenkinson was shown a red card.
The game turned out to be Arsenal’s heaviest defeat since 1896 – and nearly a decade on, it’s a result which still stings for Gunners fans.
#3 Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United – Premier League, 9th December 2012
When United’s so-called ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City became newly minted following their takeover by the Abu Dhabi Group in 2008, it was clear that it’d only be a matter of time before they became Premier League title challengers. In 2011-12, they realised that dream by claiming the trophy in the closest title race in the league’s history, edging out their rivals on goal difference.
Realising that United needed more firepower to reclaim their throne, Sir Alex Ferguson turned to his past rivals Arsenal – and promptly bought their best striker, Robin Van Persie. The Dutchman delivered the goods, scoring 26 league goals to give United their crown back – and none were more important than the winner in this game.
Looking to extend their lead at the top of the table to 6 points, United took the lead in the first half through Wayne Rooney, who scuffed a goal in following a counter-attack. By half an hour gone, the Red Devils were in total control, Rooney having scored again – taking his total in Manchester derbies to 10.
In the second half, though, City struck back, midfielder Yaya Toure finding the back of the net. The momentum had shifted, and after David Silva hit the bar, Roberto Mancini’s side levelled through Pablo Zabaleta with just 5 minutes remaining.
It looked like both sides would have to settle for a draw, but when United were awarded a free-kick two minutes into added time, it was time for Van Persie to make himself a hero. Sure enough, the Dutchman hit a left-footed shot that took a deflection – and flew in past Joe Hart, handing the Red Devils all 3 points and putting them in the driving seat in the title race.
#4 Manchester United 3-0 Aston Villa – Premier League, 22nd April 2013
United confirmed their 13th Premier League title at Old Trafford in this match by dispatching of Aston Villa, with star striker Robin Van Persie scoring a first-half hat-trick to ensure his side would end the day by lifting the famous trophy. That it was the Dutchman who scored all 3 goals hardly came as a surprise – he’d already scored 22 up to that point and it was his signing that was the catalyst to this title victory.
Van Persie opened scoring after just 1 minute had gone, poking home from just a couple of yards out following a touch from Ryan Giggs. But it was his second goal that would truly go down in history. A long ball over the top from Wayne Rooney found the Dutchman running through, and the former Arsenal striker crashed an unstoppable volley into the Villa net. The strike was later voted Goal of the Season.
Van Persie added his third goal after 31 minutes, firing into the net following another pass from Giggs, and essentially, the title was secured before the half-time whistle had blown. Villa would improve in the second half, but never looked likely to overturn the deficit, and in the end this was Van Persie’s afternoon.
The Red Devils went onto mixed results in their last 4 games following their title win, ending the season with a 5-5 draw at West Bromwich Albion before Sir Alex Ferguson finally retired. At the time, nobody could’ve predicted that it would be United’s final league title of the decade.
#5 Manchester United 3-2 Arsenal – Premier League, 28th February 2016
By 2015-16, Manchester United were well into the Louis Van Gaal era, with the Dutch boss in his second season in charge at Old Trafford. And while the former Ajax and Barcelona manager came under fire for numerous reasons, he was responsible for discovering a true gem in the form of academy product Marcus Rashford.
This thrilling victory over United’s old rivals Arsenal was driven by the teenage brilliance of Rashford, who shot the Red Devils into a 2-0 lead with a brace inside just 3 minutes midway through the first half. It was only the 18-year old’s second start for United, after emerging three days beforehand in a Europa League match with FC Midtjylland, scoring a brace after being chosen to replace Anthony Martial, who injured himself during the warm-up.
United fans could’ve been forgiven for thinking those goals were a fluke, but Rashford proved them wrong here, becoming the 3rd youngest player to score a Premier League goal for the Red Devils by pouncing on a poor clearance from Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista to calmly slot home on 29 minutes.
2 minutes later, Rashford had doubled United’s lead with a header from Jesse Lingard’s cross. Arsenal hit back later in the half through former Red Devil Danny Welbeck, but on 65 minutes, United put the game beyond the Gunners when Rashford set up midfielder Ander Herrera for a third goal, meaning Mesut Ozil’s 69th minute strike was little more than a consolation.
Not only does the game remain memorable today for the performance of Rashford – an early indicator of the greatness he was capable of and would go onto display in the future – but also for the comical tumble from Van Gaal, who angrily confronted the fourth official about an apparent dive from Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez – dropping to his back in protest in a hilarious moment.
#6 Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace – FA Cup Final, 21st May 2016
Louis Van Gaal appeared to be on borrowed time as Manchester United boss leading into the 2016 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, with rumours swirling around that the Old Trafford brass were about to relieve him of his duties and replace him with Jose Mourinho. But while that scenario did play out eventually, it didn’t prevent the Dutch boss from leading the Red Devils to their first FA Cup victory since 2004 – and their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure 3 years prior.
For the greater part of the game, it looked like it wasn’t meant to be. Despite largely dominating proceedings, United simply couldn’t find a breakthrough, with both Marouane Fellaini and Anthony Martial hitting the woodwork, and when Jason Puncheon’s 78th minute goal caused Palace boss Alan Pardew to perform a cringeworthy, David Brent-esque dance, it looked like Van Gaal would be departing empty-handed.
His side turned out to be made of sterner stuff, though, and 4 minutes after Puncheon’s strike, they drew level when a mazy run from Wayne Rooney set up Juan Mata to volley home from close range. Essentially, it was just what United had deserved.
The game moved into extra-time 10 minutes later, and despite Red Devils fans sensing trouble when defender Chris Smalling was red-carded for a professional foul on Yannick Bolasie, it was United who found a winner, Jesse Lingard lashing home a miscued clearance from the edge of the box to leave Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey with no chance.
Winning the FA Cup couldn’t quite make up for what was a largely disappointing final season under Van Gaal, but after what was a long trophyless run by their own high standards, United fans simply couldn’t complain about this victory.
#7 Manchester United 3-2 Southampton – EFL Cup Final, 26th February 2017
Jose Mourinho was brought in as Manchester United boss with the reputation as a serial winner who could guarantee trophies, and while his time at the club ended pretty badly, he did at least manage to bring some silverware to Old Trafford. There’s an argument to be made that his Red Devils didn’t deserve this EFL Cup win over Southampton in 2017, but it was an exciting and memorable game nonetheless.
The Saints actually had the better of the game, taking 52% of the possession and having more shots on goal than United, and they even had an early goal disallowed when the officials decided Manolo Gabbiadini was offside, a contentious call at best. United then took a 2-goal lead, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring an unbelievable free-kick before Jesse Lingard netted from just inside the penalty area.
Southampton hit back on the stroke of half-time through Gabbiadini, and with just two minutes of the second half gone, the Italian found the net again with a clever turn and shot from inside the area. From there, it was a back-and-forth game with Claude Puel’s side coming closest to finding a winner through Oriel Romeu, who struck the bar.
If the Saints had figured it was their day, though, they’d reckoned against the iron will of Ibrahimovic. With just 3 minutes remaining, the Swedish legend rose highest to send Ander Herrera’s cross into the back of the net for his 26th goal of the season, breaking Southampton’s hearts and handing Mourinho his first major trophy at United.
#8 Manchester United 2-0 Ajax – Europa League Final, 24th May 2017
Just months after Jose Mourinho had claimed the EFL Cup as Manchester United boss, the Portuguese picked up another major trophy for the Red Devils in the form of the UEFA Europa League. The Red Devils defeated Dutch side Ajax in Stockholm to claim the title, punching their ticket back into the Champions League in the process despite finishing in 6th place in the Premier League, 7 points away from the top 4.
To make the match even more of an emotional occasion, it came just 24 hours after the horrific terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena that saw 22 people lose their lives. United dedicated their win to the victims, a classy gesture that won them plenty of neutral fans.
The game itself was a strangely straightforward one for Mourinho’s side, as they took the lead through a deflected Paul Pogba shot just before the 20 minute mark in the first half. A young Ajax team actually had more possession and shots than United, but never really seemed to be in the game once Pogba had scored, and when Henrikh Mkhitaryan added a second for United early after the half-time break, the trophy was only ever going one way.
With the victory, United became just the 5th side – after Juventus, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Ajax themselves – to claim the full quote of European trophies, following their victories in the Champions League and Cup-Winners Cup some years beforehand. As for Mourinho, the win meant that the Portuguese kept up his tremendous record of winning every European final he’d been involved in as a boss.
#9 Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United – Premier League, 7th April 2018
The decade between 2010 and 2019 will probably be remembered by many Manchester United fans as the decade that saw them slip beneath their neighbours Manchester City on football’s totem pole; this week has seen City rise above them on football’s rich list, while the last 10 years have seen City claim 4 Premier League titles to United’s 2. That’s why this win – against Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City side of 2017-18 – will always be remembered fondly.
City were top of the league at the time of the game, and needed just 3 points to be confirmed as champions after dominating the competition, losing just one match – a 4-3 thriller to Liverpool – along the way. Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils meanwhile went into the match in second place – 16 points behind their neighbours.
At first it looked like the game would be a stroll for Guardiola’s men; Vincent Kompany gave them the lead on 25 minutes and just 5 minutes later, it was doubled through Ilkay Gundogan. But the Citizens couldn’t add to that despite dominating, and in the second half, Paul Pogba came to the forefront. The French superstar pulled one goal back on 53 minutes, and then drew the Red Devils level just 2 minutes later with a header.
The game was then set for a frantic finish, but the winner came from an unlikely source: United defender Chris Smalling, who somehow found himself unmarked to head home from a free kick, just 14 minutes after Pogba’s second. Try as they might, City could not find an equaliser – and Mourinho’s side came away with a famous victory, arguably the high point of his tumultuous reign at Old Trafford.
#10 Paris St. Germain 1-3 Manchester United – Champions League, 6th March 2019
When Jose Mourinho was fired by United in December 2018, club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – the man who had scored the winning goal in the famous 1999 Champions League final – was installed as interim manager. The Norwegian promised to bring back the ‘spirit of 1999’ to Old Trafford, and less than 12 weeks later, his side pulled off one of their greatest ever comebacks in European competition to defy French giants Paris St. Germain in the Champions League’s Round of 16.
Solskjaer’s Red Devils were beaten comprehensively 0-2 at Old Trafford in the first leg, leaving them a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Parc Des Princes, but when Romelu Lukaku scored after just 2 minutes, United were given hope. That hope was seemingly extinguished just 10 minutes later, when Juan Bernat slotted home an equaliser, giving PSG a two-goal lead again.
The French side continued to attack, but were unable to break United’s resolve any further despite dominating the match, and when goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon spilled a shot from Marcus Rashford, United were thrown another lifeline by Lukaku, who converted the rebound. That left the Red Devils needing a third goal – but as the game wound down, it didn’t look possible for them.
In an unbelievable turn of events, though, with 4 minutes of added time already played, Diego Dalot took a speculative shot that deflected off PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe. Somehow, VAR decided that the Frenchman had handled the ball and awarded a penalty – and Rashford somehow remained cool enough to dispatch the spot-kick, giving Solskjaer another miracle win.
The Norwegian was appointed permanent manager just weeks later – but has arguably never topped this classic moment since.
