Manchester United’s 2020/21 season ended in disappointment with a Europa League final penalty shout-out defeat to Villarreal.
That blow will sting players and fans alike all summer.
That means it’s worth remembering that there were plenty of moments to shout about during a season of progress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
We’ve picked out eight times United gave us something to shout about during a frantic season like no other…
Rashford delivers in Paris again
United kicked off their Champions League campaign with a trip to the French capital to face Paris Saint-Germain.
Just like in March 2019, victory was sealed by Marcus Rashford. The England international fizzed home the winner from outside the box.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer switched to a back five to account for the absence of Harry Maguire and it worked a treat as Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were largely muted.
Rashford’s rapid treble
Next up in Europe were RB Leipzig, and Rashford was again the key man.
Coming off the bench, he ripped them apart as United stormed to a 5-0 win after a stunning second half display.
A midfield diamond saw Solskjaer get the better of Julian Nagelsmann and it was tempting to wonder how a full Old Trafford would have greeted the display.
Southampton comeback
United made a habit of coming back away from home this season, making the most of the lack of supporters in stadiums on that score.
Edinson Cavani came on at half time during this November clash, when United were 2-0 down.
He showed what he’s all about, laying on Bruno Fernandes to half the deficit before scoring a double to win the game.
It set the tone for a season where Cavani won the hearts of United fans and established himself as Solskjaer’s first choice striker.
Ruining Leeds’ return
Leeds were finally back in the Premier League after 16 years away and fired up for their return to Old Trafford in December.
Scott McTominay had United 2-0 up within three minutes and United ended up winning 6-2.
It was a thrilling performance as United fought fire with fire, matching Leeds’ running and making the very most of the space Marcelo Bielsa’s side left behind.
This encounter will be even spicier next season with fans back in the ground, and Solskjaer will hope for a similar performance from his side.
Bruno’s brilliance knocks out Liverpool
Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth round visit to Old Trafford in January produced a superb cup tie.
United’s rapid attack caught their visitors out time and again before Bruno Fernandes smashed home the winner from a free kick 12 minutes from time.
Every United fan dreams of netting the winner against Liverpool at Old Trafford and Bruno celebrated as wildly as any of us would.
Record-equalling Southampton win
United matched the biggest win in Premier League history in February, smashing Southampton 9-0.
It was a ruthless performance and United refused to let the game drift in the latter part of the second half.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka opened the scoring, before Marcus Rashford, a Jan Bednarek own goal and Edinson Cavani made it 4-0 at half time.
Anthony Martial bagged a brace in the second period as Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Daniel James rounded off the history-making win.
Derby day victory
Solskjaer has a fantastic recent record at the Ethiad Stadium and it continued in March.
Bruno Fernandes netted from the spot after just two minutes before Luke Shaw capped his resurgence with an amazing solo goal.
More consistency is needed to close the game to Manchester City, but performances like this show it can be done.
Roma ripped apart
United went in at half time in the first leg of the semi-final against Roma 2-1 down but produced a second half masterclass to win 6-2.
Edinson Cavani was outstanding, scoring twice and setting up three more goals as United put one foot in the Europa League final.
The semi-final curse has been lifted and hopefully next season will see United get over the line and lift the first silverware of the Solskjaer next time around…
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