Man Utd’s impressive final day of the Premier League season record
Manchester United’s aura has diminished since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson but they are still a formidable force widely regarded as one of, if not the, biggest club in the world.
They have a storied history and a trophy cabinet that backs up their claims of being one of the best clubs around, with much of their success centred around the 27-year reign of Fergie.
In the Premier League era, there’s been no better side than United. Yes, they haven’t won a title since 2013, but they do have an incredible 13 already tucked under the belt – many of those delivered under the greatest of pressure.
United’s success has often required a performance on the final day of the season, and it’s no surprise to learn that they have a pretty handy record when it’s all on the line.
The 1995/96 season saw an epic tussle between United and Newcastle, who for long periods looked like they would get the better of the Red Devils.
Kevin Keegan’s entertainers scored goals for fun, but their momentum came to a crashing halt when Eric Cantona scored the only goal of the game to hand Fergie’s United a prized win at St James‘ Park. The momentum swung and soon enough United had the initiative.
Fast forward to the final day and victory against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium was needed to cement one of the best comebacks in the top flight era. United ran out 3-0 winners, clinching their third Premier League title in four years.
United’s 1998/99 treble winning campaign would never have happened had Andy Cole not scored the most ridiculous of lobs, with the pressure really on, to earn a 2-1 comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
Les Ferdinand had given Spurs a shock lead, lifting the ball over an embarrassed Peter Schmeichel, before David Beckham’s arrow of a shot levelled up proceedings. It was then over to Cole, who produced a moment of magic to beat Ian Walker and set United on their way to history.
If you’re a Manchester United supporter, the 2011/12 season is not one to look back on fondly.
A 1-0 win at Sunderland on the final day looked to have got United over the line ahead of neighbourhood rivals Manchester City, only for Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero to complete a dramatic injury-time turnaround. Their goals won Roberto Mancini’s City a first Premier League title, signalling a changing of the guard at the top of English football.
Goals from Shinji Kagawa, Alexander Buttner, Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and West Brom’s Jonas Olsson should have seen Manchester United to a comprehensive victory in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever game in charge.
But, somehow, United contrived to concede five of their own in one of the most unbelievable Premier League games ever. A young Romelu Lukaku made a real name for himself, grabbing a hat-trick for the Baggies, and Fergie was left to depart from the touchline with a 5-5 draw under his belt.
Still, a 13th Premier League title wasn’t a bad sweetener.