Top 5 moments of the season

By Josh Coleman, published on 02/06/21

In a season that ended in disappointment, it's very easy to forget how successful and promising the past season has been. In this piece, we will be looking back at the top 10 best moments of the season just gone and reliving each moment.

Before going into it, it is worth noting that there are several moments this season that deserve to have recognition that we couldn't fit into this list. For example, the 6-2 victory vs Leeds. A fantastic display against historic rivals, that saw us comfortably run away with it. Rashford’s 16 minute hattrick, one of the goals seeing him leaving Upamecano in the dust. Greenwood’s goal and assist vs Spurs, where we saw his season take a turn after a difficult period to start. The 9-0 destruction of Southampton, becoming one of the largest victories in Premier League history. You also can’t forget moments such as Paul Pogba’s winner against AC Milan, to send us through to the quarter finals, or Bruno’s last minute penalty against Brighton. So many fantastic moments this season that it was hard to narrow it down to five of the best. Despite this, here are my top 5 moments for the 2020/21 season...

5 - 2nd half display vs Roma

In the Europa League semi-final first leg, despite Bruno’s goal, we found ourselves 1-2 down to Roma at half time. Due to the away goal rule, a big response was needed in order to give us the upper hand going into the second leg. Thankfully, the squad delivered on this, and then some. Another goal from Bruno, a second half brace from Cavani, and goals from both Pogba and Greenwood meant that we all but sealed the tie in the first leg. One of the best performances from us all season, and sealing our ticket to the final. Putting this at 5th place in our top moments of the season.

4 - Rashford vs PSG

After a season without the Champions League, Manchester United found themselves yet again in the UCL. Their first game back saw them take on PSG at the Parc Des Princes, where Marcus Rashford scored the famous winner in 2019. This time, we found ourselves the underdogs going against one of the favourites, PSG. While taking the lead thanks to a Bruno penalty, PSG equalised through a Martial own goal. The game then became box to box, with both sides coming close to taking the lead. While it looked like it was heading to a 1-1 draw, Marcus Rashford collected the ball deep in PSG’s half from Pogba. Carrying the ball into space, Rashford was able to find space for a shot outside the box, and in the 86th minute, put Utd ahead with his long range effort, beating Navas in the far corner. A fantastic strike which gave us the best possible start to our Champions League campaign. Making this my 4th top moment of the 20/21 season.

3 - Shaw vs City

At third place on this list is Luke Shaw’s winner against local rivals Man City. After going 1-0 up thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty, Utd were not in the clear just yet, against a City side on a 22 game unbeaten run. Luke Shaw, however, was later able to seal the deal. A steaming run forward from Shaw, then some excellent link up play between him and Rashford eventually found Shaw in a shooting position. Shaw coolly swept his effort into the far post, an excellent finish which gave Ederson no chance whatsoever. A special moment for Utd fans as we beat Man City comfortably away in the derby.

2 - Bruno vs Liverpool

Second on this list is Bruno Fernandes’ excellent free kick vs fierce rivals Liverpool in the FA cup 4th round. A closely fought game saw us at 2-2 going into the 78th minute. A late free kick was won, giving Bruno Fernandes the opportunity to put Utd ahead going into the last 10 minutes. His strike was hit perfectly, opting to not go over the wall, but to wrongfoot the keeper on his left side. His strike put Utd ahead, and decided the tie, crashing Liverpool out of the FA Cup and sending us through. Therefore making this the second best moment of the season.

1 - Cavani’s strike against Fulham

Unluckily missing out on goal of the season due to the timing of the goal, this makes the top of the list for two reasons. Firstly due to the nature of the goal, dinking Areola from close to the halfway line was an incredible goal, however this is not the main reason that made it so special. The game on the 18th May, was the first game that first saw fans return to Old Trafford since the 8th March 2020. This is what made this goal that much more special as the roar of the Stretford End as Utd score was something that was sorely missed. While the game resulted in a 1-1 draw, the long awaited return of the fans leading to the atmosphere erupting as Cavani’s goal went in, alongside his iconic archer celebration, makes this the moment of the season. An incredible moment that will live long in fans' memories.