Looking back at everything you need to know from the 2011/12 Manchester United season.
The 2011/12 season was a disappointing one for Manchester United as they lost the title race to rivals Man City on goal difference.
Although it was a trophyless campaign for the Red Devils, the Premier League title race went on until the final week of the season.
- Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
United were eight points clear of City with six games remaining, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s side dropped points in games against Wigan Athletic and Everton, which would prove costly.
The Red Devils were level on points (86) going into the final day of the season, but City held an eight-goal advantage in goal difference – boosted by their 6-1 win over United earlier in the season.
City beat QPR 3-2 to win the league, while United recorded a 1-0 victory over Sunderland.
In Europe, United were eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League, but dropped into the Europa League after finishing third. They reached the Round of 16 in Europe’s second-rate tournament before losing to a Marcelo Bielsa-inspired Athletic Club.
United crashed out of the League Cup in the Fifth Round after losing to Crystal Palace, while the FA Cup run ended in the fourth round after suffering defeat against Liverpool.
Season outcome and top scorer
- Premier League position: 2nd
- Points total: 89
- FA Cup: Fourth Round
- League Cup: Fifth Round
- Champions League: Group stage – 3rd
- Europa League: Round of 16
- Trophies: 0
Wayne Rooney finished the season as United’s top scorer with 34 goals. The England international scored 27 goals in the Premier League.
- Top scorer: Wayne Rooney – 34
Signings
- David de Gea
- Phil Jones
- Ashley Young
- Frederic Veseli
Memorable matches
Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal
Early on in the season, United gave Arsenal a reality check by inflicting their heaviest defeat since 1896. Rooney scored a hat-trick, and new signing Ashley Young scored a brace. Nani and Ji-sung Park also got on the scoresheet, while Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie scored for the Gunners.
A young David de Gea saved a penalty from Van Persie.
Manchester United 1-6 Man City
Manchester United 1-6 Man City
Unfortunately, this was one of the most significant games of the season, as City went on to win the league by goal difference.
City inflicted United’s heaviest defeat at Old Trafford in the Premier League – but three of City’s goals came late in the match after Jonny Evans was sent off.
Darren Fletcher scored the only goal for United.
Manchester United 4-4 Everton
United lost their lead at the top of the table after an extraordinary eight-goal affair at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were leading 4-2 with less than 10 minutes on the clock, but Everton scored twice to deal a major blow to Ferguson’s side.
Rooney scored a brace, and the other goals were scored by Danny Welbeck and Nani.
Manchester United 3-1 Chelsea
Ferguson’s champions maintained a 100% league record in September with a convincing 3-1 win over Chelsea. The game will be remembered for missed opportunities and United’s ability to put away chances, apart from Rooney’s missed penalty.
However, United were leading 3-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Chris Smalling, Nani and Rooney.
Fernando Torres scored his first goal of the season, but his performance was scarred by a shocking late miss in front of the Stretford End. The former Liverpool striker rounded De Gea before sending his shot wide.
What else happened in 2011/12?
Paul Scholes came out of retirement in January 2012 and contributed to United’s push for the title.
Antonio Valencia won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award as well as the Players’ Player of the Year award.
Meanwhile, Paul Pogba made his senior debut in a League Cup match against Leeds. Other players who graduated from the United academy that season include Ezekiel Fryers, Michael Keane, Tyler Blackett, and Larnell Cole.
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