Looking back at everything you need to know from the 2008/09 Manchester United season.
The 2008/09 season was one to remember for Manchester United, primarily because it was a highly successful campaign for the Red Devils.
United won three trophies in total, excluding the Community Shield, which was won by beating Portsmouth on penalties.
- Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
To win the Premier League, United overcame a two-horse race with a Liverpool side managed by Rafael Benitez. It was the first time since 1999-2001 that the Red Devils won three consecutive league titles.
This title was United’s 18th top-flight triumph to equal Liverpool’s long-standing record at the time.
The foundations for United’s title win stemmed from having a solid defence, featuring not only Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but also an emerging Jonny Evans, who had returned from a season-long loan at Sunderland.
Edwin van der Sar had an incredible season between the sticks, setting a Premier League record by keeping 14 consecutive clean sheets.
United won the League Cup after beating Tottenham Hotspur on penalties. They also became the first English club to win the FIFA Club World Cup following a 1-0 victory over LDU Quito in the final.
Despite having a chance to win back-to-back Champions League titles, United lost the final 2-0 against Barcelona. It was the second blow in Europe that season, following a 2-1 defeat to Zenit Saint Petersburg in the UEFA Super Cup.
The FA Cup run ended in the semi-finals as David Moyes’ Everton side won on penalties.
Season outcome and top scorer
- Premier League position: 1st
- Points total: 90
- FA Cup: Semi-final
- League Cup: Winners
- Champions League: Final
- FIFA Club World Cup: Winners
- Trophies: 3
Cristiano Ronaldo finished the season as United’s top scorer with 26 goals. The Portuguese superstar scored 18 goals in the Premier League.
- Top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo – 26
Signings
- Dimitar Berbatov
- Zoran Tosic
- Ritchie De Laet
Memorable matches
Here’s a throwback to the most memorable matches from United’s 2008/09 season.
Manchester United 3-2 Aston Villa
United went into the game after losing two consecutive matches against Liverpool and Fulham. It felt like Ferguson’s side were losing ground in the title race when they were trailing 2-1 at home to Aston Villa with just 10 minutes remaining on the clock.
Ronaldo scored a late equaliser to make it 2-2, but more drama would follow. A 93rd-minute strike from 17-year-old debutant Federico Macheda put the young Italian in United’s history books forever.
This win reignited United’s title charge.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur – 4-1 on penalties
The closest United came to scoring in normal time, in a tightly contested final at Wembley with Tottenham, came towards the end of the match when Ronaldo hit the post. Ben Foster would become United’s hero on the day after making several key saves.
The goalkeeper also saved Jamie O’Hara’s spot kick as United won the shootout 4-1.
Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez, Ronaldo and Anderson made sure United scored all of their penalties before lifting the League Cup.
Manchester United 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur
United showed their relentless spirit with a remarkable comeback that highlighted the team’s incredible attack. The pressure was mounting on the Red Devils at the end of the season, and they trailed by two goals at half-time.
A sensational second-half display followed as United scored five goals in 23 minutes to win 5-2.
Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney scored two goals each, while Dimitar Berbatov also got his name on the scoresheet.
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United
United went into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Arsenal boasting a 1-0 lead. In the away leg, Ferguson’s side enjoyed the perfect start with two goals in the opening 11 minutes thanks to Ji-sung Park and Ronaldo. The latter scored a 40-yard free-kick before adding United’s third to his tally.
It was a remarkable performance to secure United’s place in a second consecutive Champions League final.
What else happened in 2008/09?
Van der Sar won the Premier League Golden Glove award with 21 clean sheets throughout the season.
United also achieved the longest winning run in the Premier League with 11 consecutive wins.
Several youngsters were given their United debuts, such as Rafael da Silva, Rodrigo Possebon and Danny Welbeck.
Benitez went on his infamous ‘fact’ rant after being irked by Ferguson’s observations over the congested fixture schedule.
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