United's Top 5 Moments Of 2016

With the New Year approaching, ManUtd.com’s Mark Froggatt has reviewed the past 12 months to list his favourite moments of 2016 as both a Manchester United fan and reporter…

5: NEW FACES, NEW UNITED
The first home match of the season is traditionally exciting, yet there was added electricity surrounding the Premier League outing against Southampton on 19 August. It was the first time we had laid eyes on Paul Pogba following his world-record transfer from Juventus, with the former Academy star starting alongside fellow new boys Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan later coming off the bench under the Friday-night floodlights. There was a buzz about the dugout, too, with Jose Mourinho also making his competitive Old Trafford debut as United manager. That night was the dawn of a brave new era. 

4: WAYNE'S ANFIELD WINNER
Anyone who saw the 1-0 success at Liverpool on 16 January will tell you it wasn’t a classic. In fact, it was a timid affair in comparison to recent chapters in this thunderous rivalry. But that didn’t matter one bit once Wayne Rooney stole the win with his first Anfield goal since 2005, and the captain’s delight was clear to see in his ecstatic knee-slide. It was a moment to savour for the 2,763 fans in the away end, particularly with this being the first match against United for much-heralded new Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. The only problem for this writer was maintaining composure in the otherwise professional and neutral press box.

3: THE WYTHENSHAWE WONDER
Marcus Rashford first made the headlines by scoring twice as an unexpected starter against FC Midtjylland, but it was his follow-up brace versus old rivals Arsenal four days later that truly announced him to the world. The previously unknown 18-year-old from Wythenshawe had ripped it up on the biggest stage and performed like a playground hero. It was the stuff of dreams and while his subsequent rise has been unquestionably remarkable, that outing against the Gunners remains extra special. It was heart-warming and reassuring, a reminder of the United DNA and what makes us unique as a club.

2: AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION 
If you meet anybody who doesn’t understand football, or your emotional attachment to United, just show them Anthony Martial’s late winner in the FA Cup semi-final and, specifically, fast forward to the players celebrating joyously with the fans. Those scenes represented an emotional connection between the squad and supporters that is too rarely seen in the modern game. A first FA Cup final appearance since 2007 had been secured, plus an opportunity to end a 12-year wait for the trophy, which genuinely meant a lot to everybody associated with the club, particularly in a season when the Premier League form was below par.

1: LIFTING THE FA CUP
Football is all about winning. The taking part is not what counts. Don’t let anybody tell you any differently. That’s why our FA Cup triumph must conclude this countdown of 2016, because it was an exceptional day and typical of United too. We fell behind, we made it hard for ourselves, we almost ruined it, but we fought back to find success. The fact that one of our own lads, Jesse Lingard, scored an extra-time winner was just the icing on the cake. I wouldn’t change anything about it... not even that dodgy dance from the recently dismissed Alan Pardew. While this club will never settle for cup joy over league success, that day at Wembley was certainly one to enjoy, relish and relive. Bring on more of the same in 2017.

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com