Manchester United review of 2012
RED ROBIN: Van Persie has raised Manchester United's game in 2012 Manchester United may not have won anything in 2012, but there is a definite sense that the mighty Reds are on the rise again.
After missing out in the most agonising fashion on the Premier League in May-on goal difference to City - United reacted quickly.
They landed the major prize of the summer transfer window inRobin van Persie and he has proved cracking value at 24m.
United are top of the table at Christmas and into theChampions League knock-out phase - where Real Madrid await - so all bodes well for a successful 2013.
In the meantime, MEN Sport would like to wish you all averymerry Christmas and prosperous 2013!
January
2011 ended badly with an unfathomable defeat to Steve Kean's Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.
And 2012 started equally as miserably with a thrashing on the banks of the Tyne against Newcastle United.
Then Sir Alex Ferguson pulled an ace from the pack ahead of an FA Cup victory over City at the Etihad.
In the build up to the game an announcement was made that 37-year-old United legend Paul Scholes was to end his premature retirement.
The midfield maestro scored in his first start back in Red against Bolton Wanderers before a powerful victory at the Emirates against fading foes Arsenal.
This preceded an FA Cup exit at Anfield , with Luis Suarez suspended after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrica Evra.
February
A stirring second-half fightback saw United secure a valuable point at Stamford Bridge , sending a clear message across Manchester.
The men from Old Trafford were not going to relinquish their Barlcays Premier League crown easily.
A highly-charged clash with Liverpool followed with Suarez immediately stoking the fire by refusing to shake Frenchman's Evra's hand pre-match.
The Uruguayan scored for Liverpool but United win 2-1.
United made progress in the Europa League! althoug h suffered defeat at Ajax , exposing frailties which many feared would come to bite later in the competition.
March
Faultless league form, including a classy win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, meant the home fires burned brightly.
Manchester City had led the Barclays Premier League since October but were knocked off top spot after defeat at Swansea and Uniteds win over West Brom .
However, in Europe, United were outplayed and taught a footballing lesson in both legs by a buoyant Athletic Bilbao.
April
After eight straight league victories, United's title charge was seriously derailed during 'squeaky bum time'.
United fans will still shudder at the memory of their insipid defeat at the DW Stadium against Wigan Athletic .
Shaun Maloney's early second-half! strike opened the door once more for Roberto Mancini's previously flagging City.
The title-race was turned on its head towards the end of the month as United threw away a two-goal advantage.
Everton scored twice in the final ten minutes to record an astonishing 4-4 draw at the Theatre of Dreams .
Worse was to follow on a manic Mancunian Monday at the end of the month.
Vincent Kompany rose highest to deal an almost mortal wound to United's aspirations to lift a 20th league title.
May
United did all they could to take the title race down to the wire.
And after City imploded during the second-half of their procession it looked as though it would be United's year yet again.
Mark Hughes could not quite deliver the ultimate favour to his old boss as United fans had to endure something they never thought they would never live to see.
City were the champions of England - United boss Ferguson congratulated the victors but said United's history still sets them apart.
June
17m tempts Borussia Dortmund into selling risingJap anese star Shinji Kagawa.
July
Welsh Wizard Ryan Giggs finally has the opportunity to play at a major international tournament as he is named captain of Team GB at London 2012.
Fans favourite Park Ji-Sung departs Old Trafford and heads for Loftus Road as part of Sparkys summer overhaul of the Queen's Park Rangers squad.
Off the pitch, United sign a long-term deal shirt sponsorship deal with Chevrolet .
August
Sir Alex Ferguson pulls off a transfer coup by luring Arsenal skipper Robin Van Persie to Old Trafford , signing the 29-year-old Dutchman for 24million on a four-year deal.
United lose their opening match of the season for the first time since 2004.
The Reds found Marouane Fellaini too hot to handle as Van Persie has to be content with a late cameo appearance.
September
Van Persie shows his c! lass by scoring his first hat-trick , and missing a penalty, in United colours as the Reds overcome a plucky Southampton on the south coast.
Darren Fletcher continues his comeback and starts a match for the first time in 18 months against Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup.
Solid league form is ruined in the last game of the month against Spurs with the Reds undone by Tottenham's pace .
October
United stick a spanner in the works of Chelsea's bright and breezy start to the season and their fresh style of play, defeating Roberto Di Matteo's nine-man Blues.
November
More evidence that old tussles for supremacy with Arsenal are a thing of the past.
United comfortably dispatch the meek Gunners as Van Persie scores against his old club.
A 100% league record during the month is perforated by a surprise defeat to Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Sir Alex's 26 years at Old Trafford is immortalised as a statue of the Scot is unveiled in the forecourt of his eponymous stand.
December
The month starts with an end-to-end match against Reading with defensive blunders again prevalent.
However, United leave the Madejski Stadium the victors by the odd goal in seven, with all goals coming in the first period.
After Fergie encourages Wayne Rooney to improve his goalscoring output, the former Everton forward responds by netting two early strikes in the Manchester derby .
This lays the foundations for a late Van Persie winner and United hitting top spot.
United's serene progress in the Champions League was rewarded with a last 16 tie against Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid.
Van Persie was in the news again as United were held to a draw at Swansea, with boss Ferguson claiming his striker could have been killed when Swans defender Ashley Williams blasted the ball against his head from close range.
What are your highlights from 2012? Have your say.
After missing out in the most agonising fashion on the Premier League in May-on goal difference to City - United reacted quickly.
They landed the major prize of the summer transfer window inRobin van Persie and he has proved cracking value at 24m.
United are top of the table at Christmas and into theChampions League knock-out phase - where Real Madrid await - so all bodes well for a successful 2013.
In the meantime, MEN Sport would like to wish you all averymerry Christmas and prosperous 2013!
January
2011 ended badly with an unfathomable defeat to Steve Kean's Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.
And 2012 started equally as miserably with a thrashing on the banks of the Tyne against Newcastle United.
Then Sir Alex Ferguson pulled an ace from the pack ahead of an FA Cup victory over City at the Etihad.
In the build up to the game an announcement was made that 37-year-old United legend Paul Scholes was to end his premature retirement.
The midfield maestro scored in his first start back in Red against Bolton Wanderers before a powerful victory at the Emirates against fading foes Arsenal.
This preceded an FA Cup exit at Anfield , with Luis Suarez suspended after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrica Evra.
February
A stirring second-half fightback saw United secure a valuable point at Stamford Bridge , sending a clear message across Manchester.
The men from Old Trafford were not going to relinquish their Barlcays Premier League crown easily.
A highly-charged clash with Liverpool followed with Suarez immediately stoking the fire by refusing to shake Frenchman's Evra's hand pre-match.
The Uruguayan scored for Liverpool but United win 2-1.
United made progress in the Europa League! althoug h suffered defeat at Ajax , exposing frailties which many feared would come to bite later in the competition.
March
Faultless league form, including a classy win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, meant the home fires burned brightly.
Manchester City had led the Barclays Premier League since October but were knocked off top spot after defeat at Swansea and Uniteds win over West Brom .
However, in Europe, United were outplayed and taught a footballing lesson in both legs by a buoyant Athletic Bilbao.
April
After eight straight league victories, United's title charge was seriously derailed during 'squeaky bum time'.
United fans will still shudder at the memory of their insipid defeat at the DW Stadium against Wigan Athletic .
Shaun Maloney's early second-half! strike opened the door once more for Roberto Mancini's previously flagging City.
The title-race was turned on its head towards the end of the month as United threw away a two-goal advantage.
Everton scored twice in the final ten minutes to record an astonishing 4-4 draw at the Theatre of Dreams .
Worse was to follow on a manic Mancunian Monday at the end of the month.
Vincent Kompany rose highest to deal an almost mortal wound to United's aspirations to lift a 20th league title.
May
United did all they could to take the title race down to the wire.
And after City imploded during the second-half of their procession it looked as though it would be United's year yet again.
Mark Hughes could not quite deliver the ultimate favour to his old boss as United fans had to endure something they never thought they would never live to see.
City were the champions of England - United boss Ferguson congratulated the victors but said United's history still sets them apart.
June
17m tempts Borussia Dortmund into selling rising
July
Welsh Wizard Ryan Giggs finally has the opportunity to play at a major international tournament as he is named captain of Team GB at London 2012.
Fans favourite Park Ji-Sung departs Old Trafford and heads for Loftus Road as part of Sparkys summer overhaul of the Queen's Park Rangers squad.
Off the pitch, United sign a long-term deal shirt sponsorship deal with Chevrolet .
August
Sir Alex Ferguson pulls off a transfer coup by luring Arsenal skipper Robin Van Persie to Old Trafford , signing the 29-year-old Dutchman for 24million on a four-year deal.
United lose their opening match of the season for the first time since 2004.
The Reds found Marouane Fellaini too hot to handle as Van Persie has to be content with a late cameo appearance.
September
Van Persie shows his c! lass by scoring his first hat-trick , and missing a penalty, in United colours as the Reds overcome a plucky Southampton on the south coast.
Darren Fletcher continues his comeback and starts a match for the first time in 18 months against Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup.
Solid league form is ruined in the last game of the month against Spurs with the Reds undone by Tottenham's pace .
October
United stick a spanner in the works of Chelsea's bright and breezy start to the season and their fresh style of play, defeating Roberto Di Matteo's nine-man Blues.
November
More evidence that old tussles for supremacy with Arsenal are a thing of the past.
United comfortably dispatch the meek Gunners as Van Persie scores against his old club.
A 100% league record during the month is perforated by a surprise defeat to Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Sir Alex's 26 years at Old Trafford is immortalised as a statue of the Scot is unveiled in the forecourt of his eponymous stand.
December
The month starts with an end-to-end match against Reading with defensive blunders again prevalent.
However, United leave the Madejski Stadium the victors by the odd goal in seven, with all goals coming in the first period.
After Fergie encourages Wayne Rooney to improve his goalscoring output, the former Everton forward responds by netting two early strikes in the Manchester derby .
This lays the foundations for a late Van Persie winner and United hitting top spot.
United's serene progress in the Champions League was rewarded with a last 16 tie against Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid.
Van Persie was in the news again as United were held to a draw at Swansea, with boss Ferguson claiming his striker could have been killed when Swans defender Ashley Williams blasted the ball against his head from close range.
What are your highlights from 2012? Have your say.
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