2011–12 Manchester United F.C. season

English football club season April 2022 Manchester United 2011–12 Sir Alex Ferguson Joel and Avram Glazer Co-chairmen Old Trafford Premier League 2nd FA Cup Fourth round League Cup Fifth round UEFA Champions League Group stage UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Community Shield Winners Wayne Rooney (27) Wayne Rooney (34) 75,627 (vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers,10 December) 52,624 (vs. Crystal Palace,30 November) 75,387 _manutd1112h _manutdh1112 FF0000 E20E0E FF0000 FFFFFF 000000 _manutda2011 _manutd1112a _manutda2011 _manutd1112a _blacktop 0000BB 0000BB 0000BB 000000 0000BB _manutd1011a _manutd1011a _manutd1011a _manutd1011a _manutd1011a FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 000000 FFFFFF 2010–11 2012–13 The 2011–12 season was Manchester United's 20th season in the Premier League, and their 37th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football. United were defending Premier League champions, and aimed for an unprecedented 20th league title this season. Furthermore, they were competing in the Champions League for a 16th successive season. In addition, they were competing in the domestic tournaments, the FA Cup and the League Cup. Manchester United began the season with a 3–2 win over local rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on 7 August 2011. They were, however, knocked out of the League Cup at the Fifth Round stage for the second successive season after losing 2–1 to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on 30 November 2011. On 7 December 2011, United lost 2–1 away to Basel, a result which saw them finish third in their Champions League group. This meant that they competed in the UEFA Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) for the first time since the 1995–96 season. However, they only made it as far as the Round of 16, falling to Athletic Bilbao 5–3 on aggregate. On 4 January 2012 against Newcastle United, Ryan Giggs broke Sir Bobby Charlton's record for the most starts, the match being Giggs' 757th start. On 28 January 2012, United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Fourth Round after losing 2–1 against Liverpool at Anfield. Going into the final day of the season, on 13 May 2012, United and their local rivals Manchester City were locked together on 86 points at the top of the table, but City led with an eight-goal advantage in goal difference, 63 to 55. United therefore needed to hope for a City slip up to win the title. They were on course to do this, as a Wayne Rooney goal helped United scrape a 1–0 win away at Sunderland, whilst City trailed 2–1 at home to Queens Park Rangers, a score that could potentially hand United their 20th title. However, two goals in stoppage time from Edin Džeko and Sergio Agüero gave City a 3–2 win, pipping United to the title on goal difference, 64 to 56. It was the first time in 23 years that the champions and the runners-up had finished level on points. The season was the first since 1991–92 without Gary Neville and the first since 2004–05 without Edwin van der Sar, who both retired after the 2010–11 season. Pre-season and friendlies thumb|Scoreboard during United's pre-season game against Barcelona 2011 World Football Challenge Manchester United preceded their 2011–12 campaign with a tour of the United States for the second year in a row. As in 2010, they played in the MLS All-Star Game, in which they took on a team of the best players in Major League Soccer. In the lead-up to this game, which was played on 27 July 2011, United took on the New England Revolution (13 July), the Seattle Sounders (20 July) and the Chicago Fire (23 July), before finishing the tour with a game against Barcelona at FedExField in Washington, D.C., on 30 July.United confirm US tour http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2011/Tour-2011-News/2011/Mar/Reds-confirm-USA-tour.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 29 March 2011 20 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110525175611/http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2011/Tour-2011-News/2011/Mar/Reds-confirm-USA-tour.aspx 25 May 2011 live The club granted a testimonial to Paul Scholes, who retired on 31 May 2011, to honour his 17 years of service to United. The match was played at Old Trafford against New York Cosmos on 5 August 2011.Scholes retires – but stays at OT http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/May/scholes-retires.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 31 May 2011 31 May 2011 Scholes match announced http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jun/scholes-testimonial-announced.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 10 June 2011 10 June 2011 United won the game 6–0 – with Scholes himself opening the scoring the opening goal – to complete an unbeaten pre-season.Adam Marshall United 6 New York Cosmos 0 http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2011/Aug/manchester-united-v-ny-cosmos.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 5 August 2011 6 August 2011 The club also granted a testimonial to Harry Gregg, a survivor of the 1958 Munich air disaster, who rescued a 20-month-old girl, her pregnant mother and attempted to revive United manager Sir Matt Busby.Legends: Harry Gregg http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/Legends/Harry-Gregg.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 5 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120823070722/http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/Legends/Harry-Gregg.aspx 2012-08-23 dead The match was played at Windsor Park against Irish League XI on 15 May 2012. The Irish XI was managed by Martin O'Neill and David Jeffrey.Adam Marshall Sir Alex's Gregg support http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Apr/sir-alex-ferguson-interview-promoting-harry-gregg-testimonial.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 4 April 2012 4 April 2012 United won the game 4–1. DateOpponentsH / AResultF–AScorersAttendance13 July 2011New England RevolutionA4–1Owen 51', Macheda (2) 54', 60', Park 80'51,52320 July 2011Seattle SoundersA7–0Owen 15', Diouf 49', Rooney (3) 51', 69', 72', Park 71', Obertan 88'67,05223 July 2011Chicago FireN3–1Rooney 66', Rafael 76', Nani 82'61,30827 July 2011MLS All-StarsN4–0Anderson 20', Park 45', Berbatov 52', Welbeck 68'26,76030 July 2011BarcelonaN2–1Nani 22', Owen 76'81,8075 August 2011New York CosmosH6–0Scholes 9', Rooney 28' (pen.), Anderson 50', Welbeck 59', Diouf (2) 69', 74'74,73115 May 2012Irish League XIN4–1Evra 20', Young (2) 58', 87', Rooney 64' (pen.)14,098 FA Community Shield thumb|Teams lining up at Wembley prior to the match 2011 FA Community Shield As Premier League champions, United began the season against the holders of the FA Cup, local rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield. The match was played at Wembley on 7 August.Nick Coppack Shield date confirmed http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jul/Community-Shield-confirmed.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 1 July 2011 1 July 2011 This was the first time the Shield had been contested by the two clubs in 55 years. United had most of the possession and more shots on goal in the first half, but it was City who took the lead in the 38th minute when Joleon Lescott nodded in a David Silva free-kick. Edin Džeko then doubled City's lead on the stroke of half-time with a low strike from long-distance. However, seven minutes into the second half, Chris Smalling volleyed home an Ashley Young free-kick to reduce the deficit, and then Nani finished off an intricate passing move involving Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley in the 58th minute to bring the score back to 2–2. With a penalty shoot-out looming as the game moved into injury time, Nani forced a mistake from City captain Vincent Kompany, outpaced the defence and rounded goalkeeper Joe Hart before sliding the ball into the empty net to seal United's comeback and their 19th FA Community Shield.Chris Bevan Man City 2–3 Man Utd https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14420151 BBC Sport 7 August 2011 7 August 2011 DateOpponentsH / AResultF–AScorersAttendance7 August 2011Manchester CityN3–2Smalling 52', Nani (2) 58', 90+4'77,169 Premier League 2011–12 Premier League The fixtures for the 2011–12 league season were announced on 17 June, with United beginning the defence of their title away from home for the first time since 2005–06.Fixtures 2011/12: Provisional dates http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jun/Fixtures-revealed.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 17 June 2011 17 June 2011 DateOpponentsH / AResultF–AScorersAttendanceLeagueposition14 August 2011West Bromwich AlbionA2–1Rooney 13', Reid 81' (o.g.)25,3603rd22 August 2011Tottenham HotspurH3–0Welbeck 61', Anderson 76', Rooney 87'75,4982nd28 August 2011ArsenalH8–2Welbeck 22', Young (2) 28', 90+1', Rooney (3) 41', 64', 82' (pen.), Nani 67', Park 70'75,4481st10 September 2011Bolton WanderersA5–0Hernández (2) 5', 58', Rooney (3) 20', 25', 68'25,9441st18 September 2011ChelseaH3–1Smalling 8', Nani 37', Rooney 45'75,4551st24 September 2011Stoke CityA1–1Nani 27'27,5821st1 October 2011Norwich CityH2–0Anderson 68', Welbeck 87'75,5141st15 October 2011LiverpoolA1–1Hernández 81'45,0652nd23 October 2011Manchester CityH1–6Fletcher 81'75,4872nd29 October 2011EvertonA1–0Hernández 19'35,4942nd5 November 2011SunderlandH1–0Brown 45+1' (o.g.)75,5702nd19 November 2011Swansea CityA1–0Hernández 11'20,2952nd26 November 2011Newcastle UnitedH1–1Hernández 49'75,5942nd3 December 2011Aston VillaA1–0Jones 20'40,0532nd10 December 2011Wolverhampton WanderersH4–1Nani (2) 17', 56', Rooney (2) 27', 62' 75,6272nd18 December 2011Queens Park RangersA2–0 Rooney 1', Carrick 56'18,0332nd21 December 2011FulhamA5–0Welbeck 5', Nani 28', Giggs 43', Rooney 88', Berbatov 90'25,7002nd26 December 2011Wigan AthleticH5–0Park 8', Berbatov (3) 41', 58', 78' (pen.), Valencia 75'75,1832nd31 December 2011Blackburn RoversH2–3Berbatov (2) 52', 62'75,1462nd4 January 2012Newcastle UnitedA0–352,2992nd14 January 2012Bolton WanderersH3–0Scholes 45+1', Welbeck 74', Carrick 83'75,4442nd22 January 2012ArsenalA2–1Valencia 45+1', Welbeck 81'60,0932nd31 January 2012Stoke CityH2–0Hernández 38' (pen.), Berbatov 53' (pen.)74,7192nd5 February 2012ChelseaA3–3Rooney (2) 58' (pen.), 69' (pen.), Hernández 84'41,6682nd11 February 2012LiverpoolH2–1Rooney (2) 47', 50'74,8441st26 February 2012Norwich CityA2–1Scholes 7', Giggs 90+2'26,8112nd4 March 2012Tottenham HotspurA3–1Rooney 45', Young (2) 60', 69'36,0342nd11 March 2012West Bromwich AlbionH2–0Rooney (2) 35', 71' (pen.)75,5981st18 March 2012Wolverhampton WanderersA5–0Evans 21', Valencia 43', Welbeck 45+1', Hernández (2) 56', 61'27,4941st26 March 2012FulhamH1–0Rooney 42'75,5701st2 April 2012Blackburn RoversA2–0Valencia 81', Young 86'26,5321st8 April 2012Queens Park RangersH2–0Rooney 15' (pen.), Scholes 68'75,5051st11 April 2012Wigan AthleticA0–118,1151st15 April 2012Aston VillaH4–0Rooney (2) 7' (pen.), 73', Welbeck 43', Nani 90+3'75,1381st22 April 2012EvertonH4–4Rooney (2) 41', 69', Welbeck 57', Nani 60'75,5221st30 April 2012Manchester CityA0–147,2592nd6 May 2012Swansea CityH2–0Scholes 28′, Young 41′75,4962nd13 May 2012SunderlandA1–0Rooney 20'46,4522nd MUN FA Cup 2011–12 FA Cup United entered the FA Cup at the Third Round stage with the other Premier League clubs, as well as those from the Championship. The Third Round draw was made on 4 December 2011,FA Cup Round Dates http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/FACupPages/Round-Dates TheFA.com The Football Association 19 June 2011 19 June 2011 and gave United an away match against holders Manchester City. The tie was played on 8 January 2012, and was the 162nd Manchester derby ending in a 3–2 win for United. The match saw the dramatic return of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes from his retirement after last season's Champions League Final against Barcelona. Two goals from Wayne Rooney and one from Danny Welbeck saw United go into the second half 3–0 up and a man up, Vincent Kompany having been sent off after 12 minutes of the first half. However, 10-man Manchester City bounced back immediately after the break with a free kick from Aleksandar Kolarov followed by a close-range goal from Sergio Agüero. The draw for the Fourth Round took place on 8 January 2012, and gave United a tie against their other strong rivals Liverpool for the second successive season in the FA Cup. The match was played at Anfield on 28 January 2012. United lost 2–1. Daniel Agger's header put Liverpool in front, and Park Ji-sung equalised seven minutes before the break, but Dirk Kuyt's late winner ended United's hopes of winning the famous trophy. United had hit the post through Antonio Valencia in the first half. This loss meant that United still had not won the FA Cup since 2004, or even appeared in a final since 2007. DateRoundOpponentsH / AResultF–AScorersAttendance8 January 2012Round 3Manchester CityA3–2 Rooney (2) 10', 40', Welbeck 30'46,80828 January 2012Round 4LiverpoolA1–2Park 39'43,952 League Cup 2011–12 Football League Cup As one of eight English clubs who qualified for European competition in the 2010–11 season, United received a bye to the Third Round of the League Cup. The draw took place on 27 August 2011, giving United a trip to Elland Road to take on fierce rivals Leeds United.Reds to take on Leeds http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Aug/carling-cup-draw.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 27 August 2011 27 August 2011 The match took place on 20 September 2011, where United won 3–0. Sir Alex Ferguson handed a start to debutant Zeki Fryers, 18 years old, and twice early on, Dimitar Berbatov had to clear off the line. But that was the closest the hosts came to causing an upset, as Michael Owen opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a scuffed shot and lashed home a second on 32. Ryan Giggs all but sealed the victory when he played a short corner to Park Ji-sung, got the return ball, nutmegged Robert Snodgrass, and shot past Andrew Lonergan via a deflection off Luciano Becchio. Late on, Ramón Núñez, a Leeds substitute, fluffed the chance to score a consolation for Leeds, firing wide. The draw for the Fourth Round took place on 24 September 2011, and gave United a trip to the EBB Stadium to take on League Two side Aldershot Town. The match was played on 25 October 2011, with United once again winning 3–0, through goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, and Antonio Valencia. The draw for the quarter-finals took place on 29 October 2011, and gave United a home match against Championship side Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace took the lead in the 65th minute, with a 40-yard strike from Darren Ambrose. However, their lead lasted less than four minutes, with Federico Macheda equalising from the penalty spot, after he was fouled himself, in the 69th minute. Despite increasing Manchester United pressure, the match went to extra-time, where Crystal Palace scored a second, with a Glenn Murray header, to put them 2–1 ahead in the 98th minute. The game eventually ended 2–1, with Palace facing Cardiff City in the semi-finals, a game which secured a Championship side in the final. DateRoundOpponentsH / AResultF–AScorersAttendance20 September 2011Round 3Leeds UnitedA3–0Owen (2) 15', 32', Giggs 45+1'31,03125 October 2011Round 4Aldershot TownA3–0Berbatov 15', Owen 41', Valencia 48'7,04430 November 2011Round 5Crystal PalaceH1–2 (a.e.t.)Macheda 69' (pen.)52,624 UEFA Champions League Group stage 2011–12 UEFA Champions League group stage Manchester United began their Champions League campaign in the group stage after finishing in first place in the 2010–11 Premier League. The draw for the group stage was made on 25 August 2011. As one of the top eight-ranked teams in Europe, the club was seeded in Pot 1, meaning that they would avoid being drawn with defending champions Barcelona, as well as Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Porto, Real Madrid and the other three English clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.Group stage draw https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/draws/2012/2000263/ UEFA Union of European Football Associations 25 August 2011 25 August 2011 The draw eventually paired United with two previous opponents, Benfica and Swiss champions Basel, and one new opponent, Romanian champions Oțelul Galați. Benfica (14 September 2011) United's first UEFA Champions League group game was away to Benfica on 14 September 2011, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Nicolás Gaitán's delightful long pass picked out Óscar Cardozo in the 24th minute, and he controlled on his chest then finished from 16 yards. But three minutes before half-time, Ryan Giggs cut inside from the right and fired a 20-yard strike to equalise. United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard saved from Nolito and Gaitán late on. Basel (27 September 2011) United's next game in the Champions League was a home game against Basel. Two goals from Danny Welbeck in the 16th and 17th minutes looked to have put United in control. Welbeck's first goal came when he scuffed a shot in off the post, and the England forward's second was a far more convincing strike from Ryan Giggs' cross. Fabian Frei shot in off the post on 58 minutes to give Basel hope, and Alexander Frei's header, aided by awful defending from Rio Ferdinand, made it 2–2. With 15 minutes remaining, Basel were awarded a penalty and Alexander Frei sent David de Gea the wrong way to give Basel a shock lead and leave United on the brink of a first home defeat in almost 18 months. In the 90th minute, however, Ashley Young headed home Nani's cross at the back post to rescue a point. United could have earned all three points had substitute Dimitar Berbatov not shot into the side-netting rather than play it along the ground for a tap-in. Instead, United were forced to settle for a point, as they went down to third in Group C. This was the first time since 1999 that United had failed to win either of their first two Champions League group stage matches. Simon Hart 27 September 2011 https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01f5-0e79f2aa81aa-44daf9392904-1000--united-strike-late-to-deny-basel-famous-win/ United strike late to deny Basel famous win UEFA 2021-11-16 Oțelul Galați United went on to win both their fixtures against Oțelul Galați 2–0, with two penalties, both scored by Wayne Rooney, leading United to victory away from home, and an early goal from Antonio Valencia and a late own goal from Cristian Sârghi to ensure a 2–0 United victory at Old Trafford. Benfica (22 November 2011) A 2–2 draw in Matchday 5 against Benfica followed. Phil Jones with an own goal put Benfica in front. Dimitar Berbatov in the 30th minute and Darren Fletcher in the 59th turned the tables, but Pablo Aimar's equaliser just two minutes later gave the final result. Andy Brassell 22 November 2011 https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01f7-0ea3e4ef9b4d-c12dca2552bd-1000--benfica-seal-progress-with-old-trafford-draw/ Benfica seal progress with Old Trafford draw UEFA 2021-11-16 Basel (7 December 2011) However, an unlikely 2–1 away defeat against Basel meant that United failed to progress past the group stage of the Champions League for only the third time in 17 years. The starting position for both clubs on matchday 6 in the sold-out St. Jakob Park with 36,894 fans was clear. With Benfica already assured of progress to the knock-out stage, Basel and United went head-to-head for the second qualifying berth. United needed only a point and the hosts would only stay in the competition with a win. It was a cool evening and at times it rained after referee Björn Kuipers of the Royal Dutch Football Association blew his whistle for the kick-off. United started well their hopes were somewhat dashed as their defence failed to clear a Markus Steinhöfer's cross from the right. The ball went to the far side and Xherdan Shaqiri claimed it on the left and sent it hard and high back into the centre. Keeper David de Gea could not clear the ball far enough and Basel's captain Marco Streller slammed a fierce shot home to put the hosts a goal ahead after nine minutes. The early goal gave Basel an optimism and they played with a good momentum and they continued to press forwards. United struggled to control the Basel wingers Shaqiri to the right and Fabian Frei on the left. As the game commenced Nani became equally influential for the visitors. After 30 minutes he brought a good cross to the middle but both Rooney and Park Ji-Sung were unable to reach it. A few minutes later Nani's own effort was bravely smothered by keeper Yann Sommer. Rooney had a second chance a few minutes later but the Basel keeper was equal to that too. United began the second half positively, but their increasing frustration was becoming obvious. All the more so, then as while trying to make a clearance, right-back Steinhöfer volleyed the ball against his own crossbar. Steinhöfer came away laughing and within minutes the Basel fans created a song to celebrate his feat. Basel created chances for themselves, Alexander Frei had one kick acrobatically saved. Then another counter-attack and Shaqiri played a neat cross from the right, Streller dummied by striding under the ball and Alexander Frei was there to head it home at the far post, with six minutes of play left. Although Phil Jones headed the ball home after Macheda's shot had rebounded off the cross-bar, Basel survived a tense final two minutes to advance to the knock-out phase with the 2–1 win. Steven Rogers 7 December 2011 https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01f8-0e7c68ad9504-29bd6b36ca40-1000--brilliant-basel-hit-heights-to-knock-out-united/ Brilliant Basel hit heights to knock out United UEFA 2021-11-16 Conclusion According to football finance blogger Andy Green (a.k.a. "andersred"), United's failure to progress beyond the group stage of the Champions League could cost them up to £20 million, mostly in lost TV revenue.Ben Dirs Early Champions League exit could cost Man Utd £20m https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16084594 BBC Sport 8 December 2011 9 December 2011 In the knockout phase Basel were drawn against Bayern Munich and were defeated 7–1 on aggregate. Bayern, in their turn advanced as far as the final. But here they were defeated by Chelsea after a penalty shoot-out. Andrew Haslam 19 May 2012 https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0250-0c50fb78a384-1434bbcadbcb-1000--shoot-out-win-ends-chelsea-s-long-wait-for-glory/ Shoot-out win ends Chelsea's long wait for glory UEFA 2021-11-16 DateOpponentsH / AResultF–AScorersAttendanceGroupposition14 September 2011BenficaA1–1Giggs 42'63,8222nd27 September 2011BaselH3–3Welbeck (2) 16', 17', Young 90'73,1153rd18 October 2011Oțelul GalațiA2–0Rooney (2) 64' (pen.), 90+2' (pen.)28,0472nd2 November 2011Oțelul GalațiH2–0Valencia 8', Sârghi 87' (o.g.)74,8471st22 November 2011BenficaH2–2Berbatov 30', Fletcher 59'74,8732nd7 December 2011BaselA1–2Jones 89'36,8943rd Team Pld Played W Won D Drawn L Lost GF Goals for GA Goals against GD Goal difference Pts PointsPOR Benfica633084+412SUI Basel63211110+111ENG Manchester United6231118+39ROU Oțelul Galați6006311−80 UEFA Europa League 2011–12 UEFA Europa League knockout stage As a result of finishing third in their group, United played in the UEFA Europa League for the first time since the 1995–96 season. They entered the tournament at the Round of 32 stage. As one of the top four of the eight third-placed Champions League teams, United were seeded for the Round of 32 draw which took place at 12:00 GMT on 16 December 2011. United were drawn against Ajax. The only previous meeting between the two sides came in the 1st Round of the same competition in the 1976–77 season, United winning 2–1 on aggregate. United were away from home for the first leg on 16 February 2012. United won the game 2–0. United struggled to get going in the first half, and David de Gea produced a brilliant save to deny Siem de Jong. But the Red Devils looked far stronger after the break, and Ashley Young put them ahead with a drilled finish. Javier Hernández doubled the lead late on to ensure that United took two away goals with them into the second leg at Old Trafford. The return leg was at Old Trafford on 23 February 2012. United lost 2–1 (their fourth home loss of the season, having lost none at home the previous season), but went through 3–2 on aggregate. The Red Devils took the lead through Javier Hernández's finish following Dimitar Berbatov's fine pass. Aras Özbiliz levelled for Ajax from 20 yards. Toby Alderweireld headed home the winner with three minutes to go, but the goal came too late. United were drawn with Athletic Bilbao in the Round of 16, after the Spanish side defeated Lokomotiv Moscow on away goals after a 2–2 aggregate draw in their Round of 32 tie. United had only met Athletic Bilbao once before, in their debut season in European football. They met in the quarter-finals of the European Cup in the 1956–57 season. Matt Busby's babes lost 5–3 in Spain, before winning 3–0 at Maine Road – Old Trafford was not equipped with floodlights at that time – to progress 6–5 on aggregate. The second leg was played on 6 February 1957, and the majority of the players who played that day would perish exactly a year later in the Munich air disaster. The first leg of the tie against Athletic Bilbao ended in a 3–2 defeat for United at Old Trafford on 8 March 2012. Wayne Rooney smashed United ahead from close range, before Fernando Llorente's header drew the visitors level. But the cavalier Spaniards refused to settle for a draw, as United failed to win yet another European home game. The hosts were stunned by two controversial second-half goals from Óscar de Marcos – who appeared to be offside from Ander Herrera's lofted pass – and Iker Muniain – whose goal resulted from a free-kick awarded after Patrice Evra kicked the ball with only one boot on – before a late consolation by Rooney from the penalty spot softened the blow as United succumbed to their fifth home defeat of the season. United travelled to the San Mamés Stadium for the second leg of tie, on 15 March 2012. Having lost the first leg, United needed to win at least 2–0 to progress. However, United lost 2–1 on the night and 5–3 on aggregate, meaning that they tumbled out of Europe. Iker Muniain hit the post, before Fernando Llorente scored with a volley from Fernando Amorebieta's raking diagonal pass. Ryan Giggs then headed wide, but Óscar de Marcos put further daylight between the sides when he crashed in. Wayne Rooney scored from 25 yards late on, but it was merely a consolation. DateRoundOpponentsH / AResultF–AScorersAttendance16 February 2012Round of 32First legAjaxA2–0Young 59', Hernández 85'48,86623 February 2012Round of 32Second legAjaxH1–2Hernández 6'67,3288 March 2012Round of 16First legAthletic BilbaoH2–3Rooney (2) 22', 90+2' (pen.)59,26515 March 2012Round of 16Second legAthletic BilbaoA1–2Rooney 80'40,000 Squad statistics No.Pos.NameLeagueFA CupLeague CupEuropeOtherTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px13px1GKESP David de Gea29010008010390003DFFRA 1974 Patrice Evra37020007010470904DFENG Phil Jones25(4)110107(2)10(1)034(7)2605DFENG Rio Ferdinand29(1)01000601037(1)0506DFNIR Jonny Evans28(1)110105(3)00(1)035(5)1817FWENG Michael Owen0(1)0002310003(1)3008MFBRA Anderson8(2)20(1)0003(1)01012(4)2209FWBUL Dimitar Berbatov5(7)70(1)0313(1)10(1)011(10)90010FWENG Wayne Rooney32(2)271200751041(2)343011MFWAL Ryan Giggs14(11)22011510022(11)43012DFENG Chris Smalling14(5)120105(2)01123(7)21013MFKOR Park Ji-sung10(7)211305(2)00019(9)30014FWMEX Javier Hernández18(10)100(1)0004(3)20022(14)120015DFSRB Nemanja Vidić (c) 60001020101001116MFENG Michael Carrick27(3)220106(1)01037(4)27017MFPOR Nani24(5)810006(3)01232(8)103018MFENG Ashley Young19(6)60000721027(6)84019FWENG Danny Welbeck23(7)9210(1)01(4)21027(12)122020DFBRA Fábio2(3)00030700012(3)04021DFBRA Rafael10(2)01010300(1)015(3)05022MFENG Paul Scholes14(3)41(1)0000(2)00015(6)43023MFENG Tom Cleverley5(5)00010300(1)09(6)00024MFSCO Darren Fletcher7(1)1000021009(1)22025MFECU Antonio Valencia22(5)420315(1)10032(6)63026MFFRA 1974 Gabriel Obertan0000000000000027FWITA Federico Macheda0(3)000210(1)0002(4)10028MFIRL Darron Gibson1000100000201029GKPOL Tomasz Kuszczak0000000000000030DFBEL Ritchie De Laet0000000000000032FWSEN Mame Biram Diouf0000300000301033FWPOR Bebé0000000000000034GKDEN Anders Lindegaard80100020001100035DFENG Reece Brown0000000000000036DFBEL Marnick Vermijl0000000000000037MFIRL Robbie Brady0000000000000038DFIRL Michael Keane00000(1)000000(1)00039DFENG Tom Thorpe0000000000000040GKENG Ben Amos1000300000400041FWNOR Joshua King0000000000000042MFFRA 1974 Paul Pogba0(3)0000(3)00(1)0000(7)01043MFENG Matty James0000000000000044DFIRL Sean McGinty0000000000000045MFITA Davide Petrucci0000000000000046MFENG Ryan Tunnicliffe0000000000000047MFNIR Oliver Norwood0000000000000048FWENG Will Keane0(1)0000000000(1)00049MFENG Ravel Morrison00000(2)000000(2)00050GKENG Sam Johnstone0000000000000051DFENG Zeki Fryers0(2)0002(1)00(1)0002(4)00052MFENG Larnell Cole00000(1)000000(1)00053MFENG Jesse Lingard00000000000000Own goals–2–0–0–1–0–3–– Transfers Manchester United's first two departures of the 2011–12 off-season were Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and English midfielder Paul Scholes, who both retired shortly after the end of the 2010–11 season. On 1 July, three players were released by the club: English midfielder Owen Hargreaves, Northern Irish goalkeeper Conor Devlin and English defender Oliver Gill. Four days later, Nicky Ajose was allowed to move to Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee. He was followed two days later by veteran defenders Wes Brown and John O'Shea, who were both offered four-year contracts at Sunderland. The final departure of the summer was French forward Gabriel Obertan, who signed a five-year contract with Newcastle United after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. The club's first signing of the summer came on 13 June 2011 in the form of Blackburn Rovers centre-back Phil Jones. He was followed ten days later by Aston Villa winger Ashley Young. But with the departure of Van der Sar, the club needed a long-term replacement for him in goal, and a deal was done to sign young Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea from Atlético Madrid. Unlike Van der Sar, however, Paul Scholes' retirement was not permanent, and he returned to the club in January 2012 to alleviate the club's injury crisis. The only other arrival in January was young Swiss defender Frédéric Veseli, signed from cross-town rivals Manchester City. Four players left Manchester United during the January transfer window. First to depart was Irish midfielder Darron Gibson who signed for Everton for an undisclosed fee on 13 January. A week later, after spending the first half of the season on loan to Barnsley, Danny Drinkwater was bought by Leicester City also for an undisclosed fee. The last two players to leave were Mame Biram Diouf, who joined Hannover 96 on 28 January, and Ravel Morrison, who made a deadline day move to West Ham United. Italian defender Alberto Massacci was released from his contract on 23 April. In Date Pos. Name From Fee 8 January 2012 MF ENG Paul Scholes Unattached FreeScholes rejoins United http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/paul-scholes-rejoins-united.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 8 January 2012 8 January 2012 31 January 2012 DF SUI Frédéric Veseli ENG Manchester City UndisclosedJames Tuck Reds swoop for Veseli http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/manchester-united-sign-frederic-veseli-from-manchester-city.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 31 January 2012 31 January 2012 Out Date Pos. Name To Fee 1 July 2011 GK NIR Conor Devlin ENG Brentford FreeBrentford sign goalkeeper Conor Devlin https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15578526 bbc.co.uk BBC Sport 3 November 2011 22 July 2026 DF ENG Oliver Gill RetiredAdam Marshall Brady joins Tigers on loan http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jul/brady-joins-hull.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 19 July 2011 14 July 2012 5 July 2011 FW ENG Nicky Ajose ENG Peterborough United UndisclosedGemma Thompson Ajose joins Peterborough http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jul/Ajose-joins-Peterborough.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 5 July 2011 7 July 2011 7 July 2011 DF ENG Wes Brown ENG Sunderland UndisclosedGemma Thompson Brown leaves United http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jul/wes-brown-bids-farewell.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 7 July 2011 7 July 2011 7 July 2011 DF IRL John O'Shea ENG Sunderland UndisclosedAdam Marshall O'Shea signs for Black Cats http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jul/oshea-joins-sunderland.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 7 July 2011 7 July 2011 9 August 2011 FW FRA 1974 Gabriel Obertan ENG Newcastle United UndisclosedAdam Marshall Obertan departs for Newcastle http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Aug/obertan-joins-newcastle.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 9 August 2011 9 August 2011 31 August 2011 MF ENG Owen Hargreaves ENG Manchester City FreeGemma Thompson Hargreaves to leave http://www.manutd.com/en/news-and-features/football-news/2011/may/club-confirm-hargreaves-will-leave.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 22 May 2011 14 July 2012 Owen Hargreaves will not rush back to fitness at Man City https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14717296 bbc.co.uk BBC Sport 1 September 2011 22 July 2026 13 January 2012 MF IRL Darron Gibson ENG Everton UndisclosedNick Coppack Darron Gibson joins Everton http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/darron-gibson-leaves-manchester-united-to-join-everton.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 13 January 2012 13 January 2012 20 January 2012 MF ENG Danny Drinkwater ENG Leicester City UndisclosedAdam Marshall Drinkwater joins Leicester http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/danny-drinkwater-signs-for-leicester-city.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 20 January 2012 20 January 2012 28 January 2012 FW SEN Mame Biram Diouf GER Hannover 96 UndisclosedReds agree Diouf sale http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/manchester-united-agree-sale-of-mame-biram-diouf.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 28 January 2012 28 January 2012 31 January 2012 MF ENG Ravel Morrison ENG West Ham United UndisclosedNick Coppack Ravel Morrison leaves United http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/Ravel-Morrison-leaves-Manchester-United-for-West-Ham.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 31 January 2012 31 January 2012 23 April 2012 DF ITA Alberto Massacci ReleasedToday at Old Trafford 23–27 April http://www.manutd.com/en/Fanzone/News-And-Blogs/2012/Apr/today-at-old-trafford-23-april-to-27-april-manchester-united-blog.aspx?pageNo=10 ManUtd.com Manchester United 24 April 2012 24 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191717/http://www.manutd.com/en/Fanzone/News-And-Blogs/2012/Apr/today-at-old-trafford-23-april-to-27-april-manchester-united-blog.aspx?pageNo=10 2013-10-29 dead 15 May 2012 DF BEL Ritchie De Laet ENG Leicester City UndisclosedNick Coppack Reds duo sign for Leicester http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/May/Ritchie-De-Laet-and-Matty-James-join-Leicester.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 15 May 2012 15 May 2012 Agreement Reached For United Duo http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~2773743,00.html lcfc.com Leicester City FC 15 May 2012 11 July 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120518112245/http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~2773743%2C00.html 18 May 2012 15 May 2012 MF ENG Matty James ENG Leicester City Undisclosed Loan out Date from Date to Pos. Name To 16 June 2011 30 June 2012 FW POR Bebé TUR BeşiktaşNick Coppack Besiktas land Bebe on loan http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jun/Besiktas-land-Bebe-on-loan.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 16 June 2011 16 June 2011 17 June 2011 18 January 2012 DF BEL Ritchie De Laet ENG Norwich CityTop-flight loan for De Laet http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jun/top-flight-loan-for-ritchie-de-laet.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 17 June 2011 17 June 2011 De Laet returns to old trafford http://www.canaries.co.uk/page/NewsDetails/0,,10355~2578740,00.html canaries.co.uk Norwich City 18 January 2012 18 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120310034628/http://www.canaries.co.uk/page/NewsDetails/0,,10355~2578740,00.html 2012-03-10 dead 1 July 2011 29 February 2012 MF ENG Ryan Tunnicliffe ENG Peterborough UnitedPeterborough sign Man Utd's Tunnicliffe and Wootton on loan https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13992981 BBC Sport 1 July 2011 1 July 2011 1 July 2011 23 January 2012 DF ENG Scott Wootton ENG Peterborough UnitedWootton jumped at the chance to join Posh on loan http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/wootton_jumped_at_the_chance_to_join_posh_on_loan_1_2838224 The Evening Telegraph PeterboroughToday.co.uk 6 July 2011 6 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110710032711/http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/wootton_jumped_at_the_chance_to_join_posh_on_loan_1_2838224 10 July 2011 dead Wootton's back and he's ready to make up for lost time http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/posh_v_forest_preview_wootton_s_back_and_he_s_ready_to_make_up_for_lost_time_1_3364394 The Evening Telegraph PeterboroughToday.co.uk 23 December 2011 9 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20141030092123/http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/posh_v_forest_preview_wootton_s_back_and_he_s_ready_to_make_up_for_lost_time_1_3364394 30 October 2014 dead Scott Wootton calls time on Peterborough United loan https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16689649 BBC Sport 23 January 2012 23 January 2012 19 July 2011 30 June 2012 MF IRL Robbie Brady ENG Hull CityHull City land Peter Gulasci and Robbie Brady on loan https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14200362 BBC Sport 19 July 2011 14 July 2012 Manchester United's Robbie Brady to stay at Hull City https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16431262 BBC Sport 5 January 2012 5 January 2012 6 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131006010043/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16431262 live 2 August 2011 4 January 2012 FW NOR Joshua King GER Borussia MönchengladbachJoshua King hinterlässt Eindruck Joshua King leaves impression http://www.borussia.de/de/aktuelles-termine/news/borussia-news/news-detailansicht.html?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2795&cHash=64e8e12ce492a9cb8eb31d8fd1e1950a borussia.de Borussia Mönchengladbach de 3 August 2011 3 August 2011 26 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110926234005/http://www.borussia.de/de/aktuelles-termine/news/borussia-news/news-detailansicht.html?tx_ttnews[tt_news]=2795&cHash=64e8e12ce492a9cb8eb31d8fd1e1950a dead 16 August 2011 10 September 2011 DF ENG Reece Brown ENG Doncaster RoversAlex Shaw Doncaster land Manchester United rookie on loan http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/football-league/championship/9924/8/doncaster-land-manchester-united-rookie-loan talkSPORT.co.uk talkSPORT 16 August 2011 16 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110817165317/http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/football-league/championship/9924/8/doncaster-land-manchester-united-rookie-loan 17 August 2011 dead 23 August 2011 19 January 2012 MF ENG Danny Drinkwater ENG BarnsleyAdam Marshall Danny joins Barnsley http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Aug/drinkwater-joins-barnsley.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 23 August 2011 23 August 2011 Drinkwater deal sealed http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10309~2568857,00.html barnsleyfc.co.uk Barnsley F.C. 6 January 2011 7 January 2011 https://archive.today/20120703210640/http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10309~2568857,00.html 2012-07-03 dead 24 August 2011 2 January 2012 MF NIR Oliver Norwood ENG Scunthorpe UnitedAdam Marshall Norwood loaned to Scunthorpe http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Aug/norwood-signs-for-scunthorpe-on-loan.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 24 August 2011 24 August 2011 31 August 2011 30 June 2012 MF BRA Gladestony NED TwenteUnited youngster sent on loan to Twente http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/7608/7/united-youngster-sent-loan-twente talkSPORT.co.uk talkSPORT 20 May 2011 20 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110523105928/http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/7608/7/united-youngster-sent-loan-twente 23 May 2011 dead 9 September 2011 10 January 2012 GK ENG Sam Johnstone ENG Scunthorpe UnitedLoan watch: Sam deal http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Dec/loan-watch-johnstone-continues-at-scunthorpe.aspx?pageNo=1 Adam Marshall ManUtd.com Manchester United 12 December 2011 12 December 2011 2 January 2012 30 June 2012 FW ITA Federico Macheda ENG Queens Park RangersMacheda joins QPR on loan http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/Federico-Macheda-joins-Queens-Park-Rangers.aspx ManUtd.com (Manchester United) 2 January 2012 2 January 2012 Macheda's injury blow http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Mar/federico-macheda-back-at-manchester-united.aspx ManUtd.com (Manchester United) 28 March 2012 28 March 2012 13 January 2012 30 June 2012 FW ENG John Cofie BEL Royal AntwerpCofie seals Antwerp loan http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/john-cofie-loan-to-antwerp-confirmed.aspx ManUtd.com (Manchester United) 13 January 2012 13 January 2012 16 January 2012 30 June 2012 FW NOR Joshua King ENG Hull CityKing's Hull switch confirmed http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/joshua-king-move-to-hull-city-confirmed.aspx ManUtd.com (Manchester United) 16 January 2012 16 January 2012 31 January 2012 30 June 2012 DF ENG Scott Wootton ENG Nottingham ForestCotterill On New Boys http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10308~2595815,00.html NottinghamForest.co.uk (Nottingham Forest) 31 January 2012 31 January 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120204103519/http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10308~2595815%2C00.html 4 February 2012 31 January 2012 30 June 2012 MF NIR Oliver Norwood ENG Coventry CityNEWS: Norwood signs on loan http://www.ccfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10269~2595804,00.html CCFC.co.uk (Coventry City) 31 January 2012 31 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120203153337/http://www.ccfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10269~2595804,00.html 2012-02-03 dead 21 February 2012 30 June 2012 GK POL Tomasz Kuszczak ENG WatfordLoan move for Kuszczak http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Feb/tomasz-kuszczak-loan-move-to-watford.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 21 February 2012 21 February 2012 27 February 2012 12 March 2012 DF IRL Sean McGinty ENG MorecambeAdam Marshall Loans: McGinty makes move http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Feb/loan-watch-mcginty-joins-morecambe.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 27 February 2012 27 February 2012 Adam Marshall Loans: McGinty injury blow http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Mar/loan-watch-sean-mcginty-returns-to-manchester-united-after-dislocating-shoulder.aspx ManUtd.com Manchester United 12 March 2012 12 March 2012 2 March 2012 5 May 2012 DF ENG Reece Brown ENG Oldham AthleticBrown embarks on loan spell http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Mar/manchester-united-reserve-reece-brown-joins-oldham-athletic-on-loan.aspx Adam Bostock ManUtd.com Manchester United 2 March 2012 2 March 2012 References 2011–12 Manchester United F.C. kits Category:Manchester United F.C. seasons Manchester United Manchester United Manchester United Category:2011 in sport in Manchester Category:2012 in sport in Manchester