From the goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar– in his last season at the club – through to the ageless influence of Ryan Giggsand Paul Scholes, up to a revitalised Rooney, all hands were at the pump as Chelsea were dethroned. In the current climate, Martin Odegaard bundling Eriksen over to win possession and start the move that led to Martinelli finding the net was always going to see the goal ruled out.

United looked out of their depth within seconds of the start, surviving three goal-line clearances in the same incident before Foden set the tone for the afternoon when he flashed Silva's cross past a helpless David de Gea. Financial problems plagued the club and, by the start of the 20th Century, it seemed they were destined for extinction. The team was saved, however, by local brewery owner John Henry Davies.Legend has it that helearned of the club's plight when he found a dog belonging to captain Harry Stafford.

There was some solace to be found in the retention of the League Cup, achieved at Aston Villa’s expense and secured by a late winner from Wayne Rooney, whose individual excellence was rewarded with both the PFA Player’s Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Player of the Year awards.

Manager John Robson then left the club, to be replaced by John Chapman, who reverted to the dual role of secretary/manager last held by JJ Bentley. Meanwhile, former manager Ernest Mangnall continued to make the local headlines with City, as they moved into a new stadium at Maine Road. Evidently, United were not in a strong bargaining position and the eventual price - the fourth highest sum ever paid by a Premier League club - is accepted by most to be significantly inflated. The draw for the fourth round of the competition was conducted last night following the Magpies' 1-0 win over Manchester City at St James' Park, producing a repeat of last season's final. Newcastle will likely visit Old Trafford on November 1.In January, we announced the removal of executive seats from the Stretford End for the 2024/25 season, providing more general admission availability in the heart of the famous stand. Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester United. He is a big personality and a big player," said boss Jose Mourinho.

He wanted to play for Chelsea but he clearly wanted to be first-choice striker - but for a club of our dimension it is very difficult to promise to a player." The domestic cups offered United their best chances of silverware, and in 1983, Wembley was reached in both competitions. Liverpool triumphed 2-1 after extra-time to win the League Cup, while little-fancied Brighton and Hove Albion were beaten in two attempts in the FA Cup final. A 2-2 draw was followed up by a thumping 4-0 replay win for United through goals from Robson (2), Arnold Muhrenand Norman Whiteside. The title-winning team seemed to be the finished article, but they finished a disappointing fourth the following season, and exited both the FA and European Cups in the semi-finals. The season's highlight had been the 5-1 away thrashing of Benfica in the European Cup quarter-finals, when Best had been in blistering form and earned the tag the 'El Beatle'. The determination he showed to drive through so many defenders and score his latest effort indicates a hunger that was absent for much of last season.We understand that our fans are also facing pressure from increased living costs and that is why we have kept price increases well below the current rate of inflation. But, Erik ten Hag being able to execute [his plan] and get the players in as early as possible I think is what is most important. If, and it looks like the Glazers are looking to sell, then of course you want the right resolution for the future of the football club and not just a resolution which is a change of ownership. York City, who were playing their first ever season in Division Two, are now in the Blue Square Premier where Oxford Utd have also spent time recently. Nine other clubs played at the fourth level subsequently, although only Bristol Rovers will be there next season. How do you top a season like 2007/08? Well, Sir Alex's men did their very best and only defeat at the very last hurdle - against Barcelona in the Champions League final - prevented the Reds from a historic trophy haul. Despiteultimate disappointment in Europe, United dominated almost every other competition. In December, the Reds flew to Japan to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup and a solitary Rooney goal against Ecuador's Liga de Quito in the final was enough to crown United world champions. With their Division One status restored Manchester United returned to top tier action at Wolves on Saturday 16 August 1975. On the pitch they proved too strong for a home side destined to spend the next nine months attempting to stave off relegation, Macari scoring twice as United ran out 2-0 winners.