Pre Season
After wrestling the league title from Chelsea in the 2006/2007 season, and bringing the Premiership Trophy back to Old Trafford for the first time in four seasons many United fans were understandably pleased with the teams achievement, but there was still room for improvement. Had United's legs not fallen off in the Champions League Semi Final second leg and the FA Cup Final, United could have possibly been looking at a Treble.
New signings
Luis Nani:
Signed from Sporting Lisbon for £14 million, the young Portugese star came with a reputation similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo when he signed for United in 2003. Nani was noted for his pace and attacking flair, and his ability to put in a telling cross or unleash a powerful shot. He instantly impressed United fans and staff with a couple of delightfully taken goals on the Reds pre-season tour, and laid down these foundations for what was to come of him in his debut season in Manchester.
Oliveira Anderson:
Possibly a few eyebrows were raised when United spent £17 million on a teenager who argueably had yet to prove himself and had suffered a proken leg less than 12 months previous. However SAF was quick to write off these doubts and only praise the man who he thought would develop into a fine Manchester United player. Anderson played no part in United's pre season tour and would have to wait slightly longer than Nani to make a name for himself.
Owen Hargreaves:
After looking set to sign for United in the summer of 2006, Hargreaves found himself having to wait a year longer than expected after suffering a broken leg. United however never lost interest in the midfielder and finally secured his services on a four year contract for a fee of £17 million. His versatility was also admired by many and it was anticipated he could be a top player at United.
Carlos Tevez:
After the controversy that surrounded his move to West Ham in 2006, many people thought it was not wise to chase after Carlos Tevez or Javier Mascherano, however United landed the former with Liverpool securing the services of Mascherano. Once the finer details of his contract were sorted out, it was revealed that United had secured Tevez on a two year loan deal with the option to buy him at the end. The bullish Argentine was widely acknowledged for keeping West Ham in the Premiership, and United fans were hoping he could transfer that form to fire United to back to back Championship's for the first time since 2001.
August
United began the season with a satisfying victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield. Edwin Van Der Sar cast aside any doubts about his form with three big penalty saves to give United a white-wash victory in the shoot out. However things were not so sweet in the league with United picking up only two points from a possible nine. United had only scored one goal and had injury problems with Wayne Rooney breaking his metatarsal, and Cristiano Ronaldo picking up a three match ban for a head-butt at Fratton Park. Carlos Tevez was still searching for his bearings at United with no goals in either of his first two games. SAF tried to remain positive and remained adament that United would come good. Owen Hargreaves made an impressive debut in an otherwise disapointing derby day at Eastlands.
September
In September United began to grind out results while still not hitting the heights of early season promise. It took United until late in the second half to break down Spurs when Nani announced his arrival at OT with a long range effort to beat Paul Robinson. United again beat Roy Keane's Sunderland 1-0 with a header from second half substitue Louis Saha, who would also go on to score coming off the bench against Chelsea now managed by Avram Grant. United also came out victorious against Everton, Sporting Lisbon and Birmingham beating them all by the solitary goal. Cristiano Ronaldo began to hit some form at this stage but United still had a lot yet to come. The month however was burdened by the humiliating defeat to Coventry at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup.
October
After grabbing all the points against Roma, United finally rediscovered their free scoring ways of the previous season by hitting four goals in four consecutive games with Wigan, Villa, Kiev and 'Boro being the victims. At this time, Wayne Rooney was in deadly form in front of goal, as well as forming a deadly strikeing partnership with Carlos Tevez, who himself looked as if he had found his top form again. Cristiano Ronaldo was not far behind, and was showing a terrific goal scoring instinct of his own with his well taken goals.
November
United came close to taking all the points, but had to in the end enjoy a share of the spolis with Arsenal at The Emirates with William Gallas grabbing a last minute equaliser for the Gunners, after scoring at theother end to give United the lead. United were soon however back to winning ways with victories over Kiev and Blackburn, however and unexpected defeat at the Reebok against Bolton bought United back down to earth. United would however finish the month in winning style with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a free kick in the last minute to beat his old side Sporting Lisbon. But perhaps the real down point of the month was Wayne Rooney again picking up a foot injury, which would keep him out for 3 weeks.
December
December would be a good month for United with 5 wins from 7, and a good month for Ronaldo who really began to show some of his top form. December was also a good month for Carlos Tevez, who bagged the winner at a tight game at Anfield. The reds sent out a young side in Rome who gave a good account of themselves and came away with a very respectable 1-1 draw, with United having already qualified for the knock-out round. However the one blemish on an otherwise good month was the defeat United suffered at Upton Park, with West Ham coming from one goal down to win 2-1
January
However, January was to be an even better month for United winning six games out of six played, and conceeding just one goal in the FA Cup to Spurs. The highlight however must surely have been the 6-0 drumming of Newcastle at OT, with Ronaldo scoring his first United hat-trick. He would also go on to score a further six goals in January bringing his total of goals for the month alone to nine.
February
February didn't start too positively for United with a draw only salvaged by Carlos Tevez's injury time equaliser, and defeat for the reds on a Derby day that marked the first game since the 50th Anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. United did however manage to shrug off this disapointment by destroying Arsenal in the FA Cup as well as Newcastle in the league, with a well earned 1-1 draw away at Lyon in the first leg of the second round clash.
March
March again was another white wash in the League with United winning five out of five with probably none sweeter than the 3-0 convincing win over arch-rivals Liverpool. Cristiano Ronaldo bagged another six goals, five in the league, on his way to further boost his increasingly impressive tally this season. United also advanced to the Champions League quater final seeing off Lyon quite comfortably in the end at Old Trafford. The one down point in an otherwise great month for United was the controversial exit in the FA Cup at the hands of Portsmouth. United felt they were denied a clear penalty, when Distin cut across Ronaldo's path in the area, and United felt further dismay when they were forced to play the final 20 or so minutes with £30 million defender Rio Ferdinand in goal, after Tomasz Kuszczak was sent off.
April
April was all about sucess in the Champions League for United. After seeing off Roma convincingly over two legs, United were able to outwit Spanish giants Barcelona and a Paul Scholes goal early on in the second leg was enough to see Sir Alex Ferguson's men through to the Champions League final, for the first time this millenium. In the league however, United saw their lead at the top shortened with draws at 'Boro and Blackburn as well as defeat at Stamford Bridge which saw Chelsea trail United only on goal difference. A well faught win at home against Arsenal though proved to be the highlight of April in the league with United coming from a goal down to beat Arsene Wengers men.
May
United had come so close to greatness, but were still not there yet. A comfortable victory against West Ham in the final game of the season at Old Trafford meant that if United could win their remaining two games, they would win a League and European Cup double. At the JJB stadium in the final league game of the season United looked shakey until Ronaldo calmed United nerves with a cooly dispatched penalty, before Ryan Giggs secured the title by scoring a goal in the game he equaled Sir Bobby Charlton's record number of apperances for United. United had won the league and now prepared to face Chelsea in Moscow for the title of Kings of Europe. After a United dominated first half and Chelsea dominated second, both teams faught it out until the end of extra time. Ronaldo's goal was cancelled out by Lampard and the teams had to be seperated on penalties. After all but one penalty had been taken from the initial 10, only one man had missed and that was Crisitano Ronaldo. John Terry stepped up to take the final spot kick but as he went to strike the ball, his standing foot gave way and he put the ball wide of the post. Anderson scored the first sudden death penalty but Kalou scored his for Chelsea as well. Ryan Giggs, on his record bereaking United apperance, scored the next kick for United and put all the pressure on Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea. Van Der Sar pulled off a brilliant save diving to his right and bought the European Cup to Old Trafford for the 3rd time in the clubs history.
After wrestling the league title from Chelsea in the 2006/2007 season, and bringing the Premiership Trophy back to Old Trafford for the first time in four seasons many United fans were understandably pleased with the teams achievement, but there was still room for improvement. Had United's legs not fallen off in the Champions League Semi Final second leg and the FA Cup Final, United could have possibly been looking at a Treble.
New signings
Luis Nani:
Signed from Sporting Lisbon for £14 million, the young Portugese star came with a reputation similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo when he signed for United in 2003. Nani was noted for his pace and attacking flair, and his ability to put in a telling cross or unleash a powerful shot. He instantly impressed United fans and staff with a couple of delightfully taken goals on the Reds pre-season tour, and laid down these foundations for what was to come of him in his debut season in Manchester.
Oliveira Anderson:
Possibly a few eyebrows were raised when United spent £17 million on a teenager who argueably had yet to prove himself and had suffered a proken leg less than 12 months previous. However SAF was quick to write off these doubts and only praise the man who he thought would develop into a fine Manchester United player. Anderson played no part in United's pre season tour and would have to wait slightly longer than Nani to make a name for himself.
Owen Hargreaves:
After looking set to sign for United in the summer of 2006, Hargreaves found himself having to wait a year longer than expected after suffering a broken leg. United however never lost interest in the midfielder and finally secured his services on a four year contract for a fee of £17 million. His versatility was also admired by many and it was anticipated he could be a top player at United.
Carlos Tevez:
After the controversy that surrounded his move to West Ham in 2006, many people thought it was not wise to chase after Carlos Tevez or Javier Mascherano, however United landed the former with Liverpool securing the services of Mascherano. Once the finer details of his contract were sorted out, it was revealed that United had secured Tevez on a two year loan deal with the option to buy him at the end. The bullish Argentine was widely acknowledged for keeping West Ham in the Premiership, and United fans were hoping he could transfer that form to fire United to back to back Championship's for the first time since 2001.
August
United began the season with a satisfying victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield. Edwin Van Der Sar cast aside any doubts about his form with three big penalty saves to give United a white-wash victory in the shoot out. However things were not so sweet in the league with United picking up only two points from a possible nine. United had only scored one goal and had injury problems with Wayne Rooney breaking his metatarsal, and Cristiano Ronaldo picking up a three match ban for a head-butt at Fratton Park. Carlos Tevez was still searching for his bearings at United with no goals in either of his first two games. SAF tried to remain positive and remained adament that United would come good. Owen Hargreaves made an impressive debut in an otherwise disapointing derby day at Eastlands.
September
In September United began to grind out results while still not hitting the heights of early season promise. It took United until late in the second half to break down Spurs when Nani announced his arrival at OT with a long range effort to beat Paul Robinson. United again beat Roy Keane's Sunderland 1-0 with a header from second half substitue Louis Saha, who would also go on to score coming off the bench against Chelsea now managed by Avram Grant. United also came out victorious against Everton, Sporting Lisbon and Birmingham beating them all by the solitary goal. Cristiano Ronaldo began to hit some form at this stage but United still had a lot yet to come. The month however was burdened by the humiliating defeat to Coventry at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup.
October
After grabbing all the points against Roma, United finally rediscovered their free scoring ways of the previous season by hitting four goals in four consecutive games with Wigan, Villa, Kiev and 'Boro being the victims. At this time, Wayne Rooney was in deadly form in front of goal, as well as forming a deadly strikeing partnership with Carlos Tevez, who himself looked as if he had found his top form again. Cristiano Ronaldo was not far behind, and was showing a terrific goal scoring instinct of his own with his well taken goals.
November
United came close to taking all the points, but had to in the end enjoy a share of the spolis with Arsenal at The Emirates with William Gallas grabbing a last minute equaliser for the Gunners, after scoring at theother end to give United the lead. United were soon however back to winning ways with victories over Kiev and Blackburn, however and unexpected defeat at the Reebok against Bolton bought United back down to earth. United would however finish the month in winning style with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a free kick in the last minute to beat his old side Sporting Lisbon. But perhaps the real down point of the month was Wayne Rooney again picking up a foot injury, which would keep him out for 3 weeks.
December
December would be a good month for United with 5 wins from 7, and a good month for Ronaldo who really began to show some of his top form. December was also a good month for Carlos Tevez, who bagged the winner at a tight game at Anfield. The reds sent out a young side in Rome who gave a good account of themselves and came away with a very respectable 1-1 draw, with United having already qualified for the knock-out round. However the one blemish on an otherwise good month was the defeat United suffered at Upton Park, with West Ham coming from one goal down to win 2-1
January
However, January was to be an even better month for United winning six games out of six played, and conceeding just one goal in the FA Cup to Spurs. The highlight however must surely have been the 6-0 drumming of Newcastle at OT, with Ronaldo scoring his first United hat-trick. He would also go on to score a further six goals in January bringing his total of goals for the month alone to nine.
February
February didn't start too positively for United with a draw only salvaged by Carlos Tevez's injury time equaliser, and defeat for the reds on a Derby day that marked the first game since the 50th Anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. United did however manage to shrug off this disapointment by destroying Arsenal in the FA Cup as well as Newcastle in the league, with a well earned 1-1 draw away at Lyon in the first leg of the second round clash.
March
March again was another white wash in the League with United winning five out of five with probably none sweeter than the 3-0 convincing win over arch-rivals Liverpool. Cristiano Ronaldo bagged another six goals, five in the league, on his way to further boost his increasingly impressive tally this season. United also advanced to the Champions League quater final seeing off Lyon quite comfortably in the end at Old Trafford. The one down point in an otherwise great month for United was the controversial exit in the FA Cup at the hands of Portsmouth. United felt they were denied a clear penalty, when Distin cut across Ronaldo's path in the area, and United felt further dismay when they were forced to play the final 20 or so minutes with £30 million defender Rio Ferdinand in goal, after Tomasz Kuszczak was sent off.
April
April was all about sucess in the Champions League for United. After seeing off Roma convincingly over two legs, United were able to outwit Spanish giants Barcelona and a Paul Scholes goal early on in the second leg was enough to see Sir Alex Ferguson's men through to the Champions League final, for the first time this millenium. In the league however, United saw their lead at the top shortened with draws at 'Boro and Blackburn as well as defeat at Stamford Bridge which saw Chelsea trail United only on goal difference. A well faught win at home against Arsenal though proved to be the highlight of April in the league with United coming from a goal down to beat Arsene Wengers men.
May
United had come so close to greatness, but were still not there yet. A comfortable victory against West Ham in the final game of the season at Old Trafford meant that if United could win their remaining two games, they would win a League and European Cup double. At the JJB stadium in the final league game of the season United looked shakey until Ronaldo calmed United nerves with a cooly dispatched penalty, before Ryan Giggs secured the title by scoring a goal in the game he equaled Sir Bobby Charlton's record number of apperances for United. United had won the league and now prepared to face Chelsea in Moscow for the title of Kings of Europe. After a United dominated first half and Chelsea dominated second, both teams faught it out until the end of extra time. Ronaldo's goal was cancelled out by Lampard and the teams had to be seperated on penalties. After all but one penalty had been taken from the initial 10, only one man had missed and that was Crisitano Ronaldo. John Terry stepped up to take the final spot kick but as he went to strike the ball, his standing foot gave way and he put the ball wide of the post. Anderson scored the first sudden death penalty but Kalou scored his for Chelsea as well. Ryan Giggs, on his record bereaking United apperance, scored the next kick for United and put all the pressure on Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea. Van Der Sar pulled off a brilliant save diving to his right and bought the European Cup to Old Trafford for the 3rd time in the clubs history.
