The most decorated team in England, Manchester United who had 19 titles before their long term manager Sir Alex Ferguson announced that he would retire in the 2012-13 season gave them another endowment before leaving the club. This season saw Manchester United win its 20th title win in an extravagant final game. The 34th round match against Aston Villa won them the league courtesy of a hat-trick by Robin Van Persie who scored his first goal in just two minutes. The Reds had an equal amount of draws and losses, winning 28 out of the 38 league games. They finished 11 points over their bitter rivals Manchester City. Some could say that it was a revenge for their last season in which the Blues of Manchester won the league in a grandiose way as Aguero scored the last goal against QPR and won them the league due to goal difference. On this contribution by Manchester United’s number 20(which provided a fitting number for the number of titles won by Manchester United), Robin Van Persie, following his £24m move from Arsenal last summer, Ferguson stated: "I remember Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger saying to me 'he's better than you think' when we concluded the deal. He was right."
Despite the 5 losses…
Manchester United had their opening game away at the Goodison Park where they played Everton when their ex-man Marouane Fellaini scored the only goal in the 57th minute. Their second defeat came against Tottenham Hotspurs where they lost at home 2-3 when Spurs gained an early lead due to Jonny Evans’ goal in just 2 minutes. Although Nani and Kagawa did get 2 goals, Spurs went on to score 2 more and won the game at Old Trafford. Their third loss came against Norwich City wherein they just could not seem to find a goal. Norwich City’s Anthony Pilkington scored a 60th-minute goal to give them the lead and later went on to win the match. On 8th April 2013, Manchester City visited Old Trafford to beat them 1-2, goals scored by James Milner and Sergio Aguero while their captainVincent Kompany scored an own goal. Their fifth and final loss came against the Blues of London, Chelsea. Their current winger Juan Mata scored the 87th-minute belter to win the game for the Blues. Rafael got the red card in the 89th- minute which summed up United’s performance.
Against the Top 6
Manchester United’s performance against their bitter rivals Liverpool was satisfying, to say the least. The Reds of Manchester won the game 2-1 as their star striker Robin Van Persie scored a penalty to seal the game for them. The first goal was scored by their most improved player Rafael. Their loss to Tottenham was one of the 5 losses they suffered in the season. Although they did bounce back winning against the teams from London- Chelsea, and Arsenal as they faced them in consecutive gameweeks. They beat the Blues and Reds of London by a scoreline of 3-2 and 2-1 respectively. Another crucial game a month later against their rivals Manchester City saw them winning 3-2, which was a magical show presented by Wayne Rooney and Van Persie. The New Year saw them doing a double over the Merseyside and not surprisingly at all, Robin Van Persie scored the opening goal and they won 2-1 against their astringent rivals Liverpool at home.
The draws against West Brom, Arsenal, West Ham, Tottenham, and Swansea saw them finish the league with a total of 89 points. They had already won the league in April and according to Manchester United fans, it was the best farewell they could give to Sir Alex who is arguably the best manager in the world. The 2012-13 season was his 13th title and fairly was one he would be extremely proud of. Robin Van Persie won the Golden Boot which was the crowning stroke. Wayne Rooney was quoted saying “You may find another Beckham or Ronaldo, but never ever will you find another Sir Alex Ferguson.” Although it was the 20th title, Manchester United fans had a bittersweet feeling but that is what football is about. Manchester United are still the most decorated team in the Premier League and it would be very tough to get them off that crown.
