Back at the Top Table | Manchester United

One of Europe’s most commanding and dominating forces, once more we see Manchester United in a major European domestic final after a six year absence.

This week we saw the Red Devils brush past Spanish underdogs Celta Vigo to book a place in the Europa League Final where they face Dutch giants Ajax in Stockholm on May 24^th.

It’s United’s sixth venture into a European Cup final and their first in the Europa League, so with that in mind we take a look at their previous successes and disappointments.

European Cup Final – Manchester United 4-1 Benfica (1968)

Their first appearance in a final on the continent came ten years on from the tragedy in Munich where 23 people were killed in a plane crash at the city airport. Those included were the likes of Duncan Edwards, Roger Byrne, Eddie Coleman, Geoff Bent, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Liam Whelan who were all in the first team. Others included several of the country’s top sports journalists and club staff. Ten years on under the guidance of Matt Busby and skill of Bobby Charlton who were both survivors of the crash, United took to the field taking on Portuguese giants Benfica. Captained by Charlton, the game ended 1-1 at Wembley before United romped to victory with three goals in extra-time to take the honours in front of 92,000+ supporters.

UEFA Champions League Final – Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich (1999)

Perhaps the greatest cup final ending of all time…unless you support Bayern Munich. United reached the final with wins over Inter Milan and Juventus in the Quarter Final and Semi-Final.  The finalists both met in the group stages and drew both games but positive results against Bromby and Spanish giants Barcelona saw them through. In their special Umbro designed shirt for the final, they completed a league, cup and European triple in ‘Roy of the rovers’ style. The United side in the traditional red shirts with the iconic ‘Sharp’ sponsors went a goal down after just six minutes before a moment of absolute madness in stoppage time. Both Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke were brought off for Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer. As the clock ticked over to 91 minutes, Sheringham headed home an equaliser before a corner in the 93^rd minute turned the tie around as Solsjkaer turned home the winner in the most unlikely of circumstances, pure magic!

UEFA Champions League – Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (United win 6-5 on penalties) (2008)

The first ever all English Champions League Final and the first appearance in the final for Chelsea. On a soaking wet night in Moscow. The Blues found themselves a goal down following Cristiano Ronaldo’s effort to give the Red Devils the lead. Just before half-time Frank Lampard equalised before hitting the woodwork. Didier Drogba also had an effort come off the post in the second half before he was sent off by referee Lubos Michel in extra-time. In the shoot-out Ronaldo missed a penalty before John Terry slipped to let United back in. In sudden death Edwin van der Saar saved Nicholas Anelka’s penalty to clinch Sir Alex Ferguson’s sides second honour in the Champions League in nine years. United by this time were sponsored by AEG, a recognisable sight for that era and was designed by the Nike in a multi-million pound deal with the giants of sportswear.

UEFA Champions League Final – Manchester United 0-2 Barcelona (2009)

A year after the triumph in Moscow, United returned to the Champions League final to defend their title. However, they came up against Barcelona who were in the midst of their greatest spell as the Catalans began to dominate world club football. The Final held at the Stadio Olympico in Rome saw Sir Alex come up against Pep Guardiola as the Spaniard began his revolutionary style of football. Having eased past Inter Milan, FC Porto and Arsenal in the knockouts, Barcelona proved a step too far with goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi proving to much a task for the defending champions.

UEFA Champions League – Manchester United 1-3 Barcelona (2011)

United reached the final once again making it three times in the space of four seasons during the 2010/2011 campaign, but would once again fall short to the dominant force of Barcelona.  The Red Devils had an advantage with the finale being held at Wembley, where they had won their first title 43 years previous. But once again it wasn’t to be as Pedro fired Barca in front. But moments later Wayne Rooney equalised for Untied. But two second half goals from Lionel Messi and David Villa saw a second triumph for Guardiola. A memorable game as the first European final held at the New Wembley where the players cut the nets from the goals, something captain Gerard Pique repeated at the 2015 Final in Berlin.

As Manchester United fans from across the globe gear up ready for the Europa League Final at the end of May, now is the perfect time to get kitted up for the big match. With shirts from 1984 up to present day and prices starting at just £9.99, there’s no better place than here on VintageFootballShirts.com!