United Ramble

Being a United fan I am obviously going to put up games where United won. More than the result it’s the circumstances in which they were delivered stayed with me. So here is my list:

1. 18th Jan 2003 – United 2 Chelsea 1

After a slow start which also included 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge United’s title claim was gathering pace with wins over Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal. But things could have gone horribly wrong had we folded in tight games like this one. After Gudjohnsen put Chelsea ahead, United equalized through Scholsey who headed David Beckham’s inch perfect cross in the back of the net. United kept on pressuring Chelsea but opposition stayed solid. It was one of those rare evenings where Ruud was not on scoresheet but his replacement in second half, Diego Forlan continued scoring in big games and smashed it pass Cudicini in dying minutes. 2002-03 was the season when I started following each and every game and games like this makes it really sweet.

2. 6th Nov 2005 – United 1 Chelsea 0

We were in deep shit. A week before, Boro lead by Mendieta tonked us like Sunday League side and THAT ‘Keano-MUTV’ thing happened. Then Lille humiliated us in the Champions League and we were in serious danger of getting knocked out in the group stage itself. To make it worse, we were going to face Jose’s champion team the following week. We needed something extraordinary if we were to get anything out of that game. Atmosphere that night was electric and thanks to win lead by fan favourite Alan Smith’s performance players did not let fans down. Though we won it through Darren Fletcher’s incredible header it was Smudge who stole the show. Operating from unusual midfield position he fought like a warrior and completely nullified Lampard and co with his boundless energy and great tackles. It was sign of great things to come at Old Trafford but unfortunately injuries kept Smith out of the game for long periods cutting his United career short.

3. Champions League Final – 21st May 2008

My finest hour as a supporter. Nothing, I mean nothing can match it. On Munich disaster’s 50th year, Champions League had different meaning altogether as far as United was concerned. After loosing to City at Old Trafford on Busby Babes’ 50th anniversary feeling of being let down ran throughout the club and players. But we came back stronger than ever. To everyone’s surprise Chelsea (without Jose) stretched the title race till the very last week in the league and almost won it in Moscow. But destiny had different plans. We commemorated Sir Matt Busby and his Babes. It was the greatest feeling ever. And to top it,that night made boyhood United fan John Terry a United Legend!

Viva John Terry!

4. 11th January 2009 – United 3 Chelsea 0

This season had an edge to it because United’s North West neighbours were chasing the ultimate prize after ages. Maybe that’s why certain delusional gentleman known as Rafa FSW Benitez got little carried away and made one of his greatest mistake. Just before this gameweek, he started hallucinating and presented some FACTS in public. Poor guy was trying to get under Fergie’s skin and let’s just say that did not end well. Liverpool drew with Stoke giving United chance to reach the top and United produced one of the best displays against Chelsea I’ve seen. Rejuvenated Ryan Giggs bossed Chelsea’s midfield masteros which turned out be 3-0 trashing with Vidic, Rooney and Berba as scorers.

5. 5th February 2011 – Chelsea 3 United 3 – Champions League QF

Game which seemed like yet another defeat at Stamford Bridge at 50 minutes mark ended with nail biting finish. Chelsea’s goals included one of the best volley’s you will see from current United man Juan Mata. But United inspired by Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick got back into the game. Rooney scored 2 penalties in 15 minutes and United finally equalized through Chicharitto’s top header. But final result could have been different had David De Gea not done THIS