This is it. The 2017 is almost gone now. It has been a crazy year in every possible aspect, but in general, it seemed like a good year for Manchester United. There have been trophies, incredible goals, touching moments. It did not always go smooth, but Manchester United are there to be one of the best clubs in the world.
Here are the top five moments for Manchester United in 2017.
1. Manchester United Win Europa League
This was the highlight of the 2017. No doubt about that. Manchester United won their first European trophy since 2008 and they did so in Stockholm. Ajax were beaten 2-0, in a typical Jose Mourinho masterclass. Ajax never looked capable of threatening and United finally won a major trophy. It also enabled the Devils to reach Champions League in 2017-18 and that is a journey the team will continue in 2018.
2. Manchester United Win League Cup
The other of the two trophies Manchester United won in 2017. It was one crazy match, filled with chaos and exhilaration. Manchester United won 3-2 against Southampton in a somewhat controversial match. The Saints were denied a goal when result was 0-0, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic made sure everyone remembered him. He scored twice, the latter of them coming after 87 minutes of play. Jesse Lingard also scored, making sure his love for finals was maintained.
3. David De Gea Proving He Is World’s Best Goalkeeper
If there was one particular moment we could tie to the statement above, it would be the match against Arsenal. It was *that* recent clash at the Emirates which United won 3-1. However, none of the attacking players were the subject of media afterwards. It was only him – David De Gea.
The Spaniard showed many times during 2017 why deserved to be called the best goalkeeper in the world and in final months of the year he really claimed that spot for himself. De Gea made 14 saves against Arsenal that night, but his consistency throughout the year also stood out. The team could always count on him.
4. Jesse Lingard’s Mazy Run Goal
Another place on this list goes to a moment which occurred recently. Manchester United played Watford at the Vicarage Road. It was a 4-2 win for the Reds in a match where Ashley Young scored twice early on. The Hornets came back from three goals down to score twice and make this a tight affair.
However, Lingard was there to clear any uncertainties. He took the ball some 60-70 yards away from Aurelhio Gomes’ goal and made a mazy run right through the center of the pitch, taking on players and getting past them, before he scored to finish off an incredible move. We all enjoyed that one!
5. Playing Real Madrid
Yes, Manchester United lost this match. However, we chose it for it’s symbolic value. Manchester United played UEFA Super Cup. That in itself meant United have won a European trophy, putting them back on the map of the best European sides.
Maybe Real Madrid were better that night, but United showed they have returned. If nothing else, it would be nice to lose this final in 2018 once again. That would at least mean Europe got a new champion, ten years later. Why not?
Happy New Year!
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