2012–13 Manchester United F.C. season

Manchester United
2012–13 season
Co-chairmenJoel and Avram Glazer
ManagerSir Alex Ferguson
StadiumOld Trafford
Premier League1st
FA CupSixth round
League CupFourth round
UEFA Champions LeagueRound of 16
Top goalscorerLeague: Robin van Persie (26)
All: Robin van Persie (30)
Highest home attendance75,605 (vs. Reading, 16 March)
Lowest home attendance46,358 (vs. Newcastle United,
26 September)
Average home league attendance75,530

The 2012–13 season was Manchester United's 21st season in the Premier League, and their 38th consecutive season in the top flight of English football.

United's season began on 20 August 2012 with the first game of the Premier League campaign. After narrowly missing out on goal difference the previous season, they won an unprecedented 20th English top-flight title on 22 April 2013 with a win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, in which top scorer Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick, finishing the season with 26 league goals and 30 goals in all competitions.

United competed in two domestic cups, the FA Cup and the League Cup, where they entered both tournaments in the Third Round courtesy of their league position. Chelsea proved to be United's nemesis in both competitions, first beating them 5–4 in the fourth round of the League Cup on 31 October 2012, followed by a 1–0 win in the FA Cup sixth round replay on 1 April 2013.

In Europe, United were knocked out of the Champions League at the Round of 16 stage after losing 3–2 on aggregate to Real Madrid.

On 8 May 2013, United's long time manager, Sir Alex Ferguson announced that he would retire from his position as manager of Manchester United after 26+12 years in charge, making him the longest-serving manager of any English club by this stage. He had won 38 trophies during that time – more than any other manager in the history of football[1][2] – and at 71 was the oldest serving manager currently in the Premier League or Football League.

The next day, Manchester United announced that David Moyes of Everton would take over from Ferguson at the beginning of the 2013–14 season.

Pre-season and friendlies

Manchester United preceded their 2012–13 campaign with a global tour, including trips to South Africa for the first time since 2008, China for the first time since 2009 and Norway for the first time since 2002. The tour began with matches against South African teams AmaZulu on 18 July 2012 and Ajax Cape Town on 21 July 2012.[3] They then travelled to China to play Shanghai Shenhua on 25 July 2012 at the Shanghai Stadium,[4] before moving on to Norway to play Vålerenga at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on 5 August,[5] and Sweden to play Spanish side Barcelona at Ullevi, Gothenburg, on 8 August 2012.[6] The final game of the pre-season tour was against Hannover 96 (whom they had not played since 1965) at the AWD-Arena on 11 August 2012.[7]

Date Opponents H / A Result
F–A
Scorers Attendance
18 July 2012 AmaZulu A 1–0 Macheda 20'
21 July 2012 Ajax Cape Town A 1–1 Bebé 90+2'
25 July 2012 Shanghai Shenhua N 1–0 Kagawa 68' 42,725
5 August 2012 Vålerenga A 0–0
8 August 2012 Barcelona N 0–0
(0–2p)
47,141
11 August 2012 Hannover 96 A 4–3 Hernández 31', Rooney (2) 69', 82', Kagawa 85' 35,800

Premier League

The fixtures for the 2012–13 league season were announced on 18 June at 09:00 BST.[8]

United's first game was away from home at Goodison Park to Everton on 20 August 2012,[9] a game that they lost to a goal by Marouane Fellaini in the 57th minute. It was United's first Premier League opening game defeat since 2004.

United then returned to Old Trafford where they played against Fulham. The game started with Fulham taking the lead in third minute through a Damien Duff goal, a goal which marked Fulham's first goal at Old Trafford since 2006. United levelled the game seven minutes later through a spectacular volley from Robin van Persie who scored his first goal for United after joining the team a week before. United then took the lead in the 35th minute through Shinji Kagawa who, like Van Persie, scored his first United goal. Rafael made the scoreline 3–1 just five minutes before half-time. In the second-half Fulham managed to reduce United's lead after an own goal by United defender Nemanja Vidić, who collided with goalkeeper David de Gea and back-heeled the ball into the net.

United's next game was against Southampton, and Southampton took shock 1–0 and 2–1 goal leads through Rickie Lambert and Morgan Schneiderlin before a Van Persie hat-trick saved United at the death after he earlier missed a penalty. In the next game, United thrashed Wigan 4–0 with summer signings Alexander Büttner and Nick Powell scoring their first goals. Hernández and Scholes also got on the scoresheet. United's next game was against archrivals Liverpool. Liverpool took the lead but United fought back with goals from Rafael and a penalty from Van Persie and won the game 2–1. United then suffered a 3–2 loss at the hands of Tottenham. Tottenham took a 2–0 lead. At half-time, Wayne Rooney made his return and contributed with an assist, but Tottenham held on take victory.

The next match saw Manchester United win 3–0 against Newcastle United at St James' Park. Goals from Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra, both headed from corners gave United a 2–0 lead before Tom Cleverley scored a curling screamer from 25 yards. The next match saw United win 4–2 against Stoke City, Wayne Rooney scored an own goal in the 11th minute before equalising in the 28th minute. Van Persie gave United the lead just before the break, and Danny Welbeck's diving header gave United a two-goal advantage before Michael Kightly cut the margin in the 58th minute. Seven minutes later, Wayne Rooney scored to restore Man Utd's two-goal lead and win the game 4–2.

United then played title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a stadium where they had not won in the past 10 years. In the first 12 minutes United struck twice. The first was a David Luiz own goal after Robin van Persie's shot hit the post and bounced off the Brazilian, and then the Dutchman himself scored the second. Juan Mata scored for Chelsea just before half time, and Ramires equalised for the hosts ten minutes after the break. Branislav Ivanović was shown the red card for a foul near the area, and nine minutes later Fernando Torres received a second yellow for diving. Substitute Hernández scored the goal that saw the visitors emerge victorious.

The next game was at Old Trafford against rivals Arsenal, in which Van Persie scored against his former club within three minutes of the start. Wayne Rooney missed a penalty just before half time, but Patrice Evra doubled United's lead after heading Rooney's cross into the net. Arsenal pulled a goal back in the final minute via Santi Cazorla. An away visit to Aston Villa turned out to be a thrilling game which saw United fall two goals behind from Andreas Weimann before substitute Hernández scored twice and assisted an own goal that gave United the victory.

United suffered their third defeat of the season away to Norwich City, falling to a single goal from former Manchester United youth Anthony Pilkington. United then entertained Queens Park Rangers and fell behind after 52 minutes. However, they responded strongly with Jonny Evans and Darren Fletcher both netting from Wayne Rooney corners. Hernández scored the third goal to make the points safe. United then had visiting West Ham United as their next rivals. United won the match 1–0 thanks to an early Van Persie goal after just 31 seconds that deflected over Jussi Jääskeläinen.

United established a three-point lead over their closest rivals Manchester City after edging a seven-goal thriller against Reading at Madejski Stadium. Hal Robson-Kanu lashed home the opener, then Anderson cracked in an equaliser and Wayne Rooney slid home a penalty before Adam Le Fondre and Sean Morrison quickly headed in from corners to have the hosts 3–2 up by 23 minutes. Despite the defensive lapses, Manchester United fought back through an irresistible attacking display, and Rooney clinically turned in Patrice Evra's cross to level again, before turning provider for Robin van Persie to spring the hosts' offside trap and beat Adam Federici to make it 3–4 in 34 minutes. United held on to the lead in a nervous second half to win the match.

United then played city rivals and closest contenders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Wayne Rooney scored two goals in the first half hour to give United a two-goal cushion. But the match looked to have turned completely with half an hour left as Ashley Young had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside before Yaya Touré netted within seconds. It allowed the Blues to stage a comeback that led to Pablo Zabaleta levelling from a corner on 86 minutes. Incredibly, Van Persie, with a deflected free kick, had the final say in stoppage time to end City's unbeaten run at home that lasted almost two years and inflict their first league defeat since April 2012. In winning the match, United stretched the advantage at the summit to six points.

In their next match, United faced Sunderland at Old Trafford and goals from Robin van Persie and Tom Cleverley gave United a two-goal lead at half-time before Wayne Rooney gave United a three-goal advantage in the second half. Fraizer Campbell scored the only goal for the visitors, heading in Stéphane Sessègnon's cross. United held on to win the game 3–1. United then played Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. Patrice Evra headed the Reds in front before Swansea striker Michu netted his 13th goal of the season in a see-sawing first half. The game ended at 1–1 – United's first draw of the season – but it was enough to ensure a lead of four points at the top of the table on Christmas Day.

Manchester United played Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day in what turned out to be a classic. United conceded first when James Perch scored for Newcastle in the fourth minute. Jonny Evans then scored for both teams in quick succession, first equalising for United before putting through his own net to restore Newcastle's lead; the goal was originally ruled out for offside against Papiss Cissé, who was lurking behind Evans, but referee Mike Dean allowed it to stand, having deemed that Cissé was not interfering with play. Patrice Evra scored close to the hour mark to make the scores level with a 25-yard strike to mark his best season in terms of goals. Papiss Cissé then scored with a sublime finish to make it 3–2 on 68 minutes, only for Robin van Persie to get United's third equaliser three minutes later. Then United did what they do best with Javier Hernández dramatically scoring a winner with just seconds of the 90 minutes left to win the game 4–3. With Manchester City losing away at Sunderland, United extended their lead at the top to seven points.

United then played West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford, making five changes to the side that played on Boxing Day with Shinji Kagawa returning to the side behind Danny Welbeck. Ashley Young's drilled cross was deflected off Gareth McAuley into his own net in the ninth minute for United's opener. Later in injury time, substitute Robin van Persie scored a wonderful curling shot assisted by Antonio Valencia to make it 2–0.

United then played Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium, making three changes to the side that beat West Brom. Javier Hernández latched onto a rebound from Patrice Evra's shot and Robin van Persie rounded Iván Ramis and converted before half time. In the second half, Hernández smashed a volley after a blocked Van Persie free kick. Van Persie himself scored the fourth goal after receiving a short-driving cross from Danny Welbeck from the left hand side of the post to make it 4–0. The game was their fifth clean sheet in the league so far this season. United's next game was against arch-rivals Liverpool. Van Persie made it 1–0 and Evra's header which touched Vidić's head made it 2–0. Liverpool pulled one back but it was not enough. United then drew against Tottenham, Van Persie again opened the scoring with a header but Tottenham equalised in the dying moments of the game through Clint Dempsey.

In the next game, United played Southampton at home. After going 1–0 down within three minutes, United once again pulled it back with two goals from Wayne Rooney in the first half to win 2–1. After their midweek home win, United then travelled to London to play Fulham where the deadlock was finally broken by a goal from Rooney in the 79th minute. United held on for the 1–0 win to go nine points clear at the top of the table. United then capitalised on the defeat of their nearest neighbours and closest rivals at Southampton the day before by beating Everton 2–0 at Old Trafford to extend their lead at the top of the table to twelve points with goals from Ryan Giggs early in the first half and Van Persie just before half time and avenging the 1–0 defeat they suffered in their first match of the season.

After that Manchester United travelled to Loftus Road and had it easy with a 2–0 win over QPR where Rafael scored a 30-yard screamer and Giggs scored a clinical finish on his 999th appearance. This meant that Manchester United have opened up a 15-point lead, though this was reduced to 12 after Manchester City won 2–0 over Chelsea. Next, Manchester United hosted Norwich City at the "Theatre of Dreams" and again opened up a 15-point lead with a 4–0 win. Kagawa scored a hat-trick, becoming the first Asian player to do so in the Premier League.[10]

On 16 March, Manchester United took advantage of their neighbours and closest title rivals Manchester City's loss to Everton earlier in the day by beating Reading. The game finished 1–0 from a deflected goal by Wayne Rooney after a surging run from Rio Ferdinand. This extended Manchester United's lead to 15 points with nine games to play. After the international break, United faced a trip to the Stadium of Light to play Sunderland on 30 March. Again United won 1–0 thanks to a Titus Bramble own goal after Van Persie's shot had deflected off him. By winning, United set a new record by winning 25 of their opening 30 games.

On 8 April, Manchester United returned to Old Trafford to play their second Manchester derby, where United were handed their first loss in 18 games after City won 2–1. James Milner scored the first for City with a deflected drive, but United equalised after Phil Jones headed a Van Persie free-kick against Vincent Kompany. Sergio Agüero, however, scored at the near post after a mazy run. United bounced back from derby disappointment by beating Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. Michael Carrick scored a toe poke from a corner in the second minute and a late Van Persie penalty secured the points for United. Van Persie also ended his barren run of nine games without a goal.

Manchester United had to play a midweek fixture away to West Ham. This was a tough game that saw the hosts go ahead twice through Ricardo Vaz Tê and Mohamed Diamé. But United equalised twice through Antonio Valencia, who netted his first goal of the season, and Robin van Persie. The game ended 2–2.

On 22 April, Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3–0 to win their 13th Premier League title and 20th English championship after Manchester City had lost to Tottenham the day before. In the second minute, Robin van Persie scored after a lay-off from Ryan Giggs to make the score 1–0. Van Persie scored again in the 13th minute with a volley from a through ball over the top by Wayne Rooney. Sir Alex Ferguson and many others hailed it as one of the goals of the season. In the 33rd minute, Van Persie completed his hat-trick with another assist from Giggs. United clinched their 20th league title and Sir Alex Ferguson clinched his 13th title with United.

On 28 April, Manchester United travelled to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. The home team gave United a guard of honour, but Van Persie received a torrid reception by his old fans. Arsenal scored first through a Theo Walcott goal in the second minute that was claimed to be offside. United scored at the end of the first half through a Van Persie penalty after the striker was fouled by Bacary Sagna. Both teams had chances to score in the second half but neither did and the score finished 1–1.

United then faced Chelsea at Old Trafford, recording their third-straight defeat to the Blues in the season after losing 1–0, courtesy of a Phil Jones own goal. A week later, Sir Alex Ferguson managed his last game at Old Trafford against Swansea. United took the lead through Javier Hernández, but conceded a strike from Michu in the 52nd minute. Quite oddly, it was Rio Ferdinand who scored the winner with three minutes to go, smashing home a Van Persie corner. Ferguson retired with dignity as he and his team received their medals.

Ferguson's last game in charge was against West Brom at The Hawthorns, taking a 5–2 lead with ten minutes to go. But they failed to hold on and conceded a 5–5 draw, setting a record for the first match in the Premier League for both teams to score five goals each.

Date Opponents H / A Result
F–A
Scorers Attendance League
position
20 August 2012 Everton A 0–1 38,415 16th
25 August 2012 Fulham H 3–2 Van Persie 10', Kagawa 35', Rafael 41' 75,352 7th
2 September 2012 Southampton A 3–2 Van Persie (3) 23', 87', 90+2' 31,609 5th
15 September 2012 Wigan Athletic H 4–0 Scholes 51', Hernández 63', Büttner 66', Powell 82' 75,142 2nd
23 September 2012 Liverpool A 2–1 Rafael 51', Van Persie 81' (pen.) 44,263 2nd
29 September 2012 Tottenham Hotspur H 2–3 Nani 51', Kagawa 53' 75,566 3rd
7 October 2012 Newcastle United A 3–0 Evans 8', Evra 15', Cleverley 71' 52,203 2nd
20 October 2012 Stoke City H 4–2 Rooney (2) 27', 65', Van Persie 44', Welbeck 46' 75,585 2nd
28 October 2012 Chelsea A 3–2 Luiz 4' (o.g.), Van Persie 12', Hernández 75' 41,644 2nd
3 November 2012 Arsenal H 2–1 Van Persie 3', Evra 67' 75,492 1st
10 November 2012 Aston Villa A 3–2 Hernández (2) 58', 87', Vlaar 63' (o.g.) 40,538 1st
17 November 2012 Norwich City A 0–1 26,840 2nd
24 November 2012 Queens Park Rangers H 3–1 Evans 64', Fletcher 68', Hernández 72' 75,603 1st
28 November 2012 West Ham United H 1–0 Van Persie 1' 75,572 1st
1 December 2012 Reading A 4–3 Anderson 13', Rooney (2) 16' (pen.), 30', Van Persie 34' 24,095 1st
9 December 2012 Manchester City A 3–2 Rooney (2) 16', 29', Van Persie 90+2' 47,166 1st
15 December 2012 Sunderland H 3–1 Van Persie 16', Cleverley 19', Rooney 59' 75,582 1st
23 December 2012 Swansea City A 1–1 Evra 16' 20,650 1st
26 December 2012 Newcastle United H 4–3 Evans 25', Evra 58', Van Persie 71', Hernández 90' 75,596 1st
29 December 2012 West Bromwich Albion H 2–0 McAuley 9' (o.g.), Van Persie 90' 75,595 1st
1 January 2013 Wigan Athletic A 4–0 Hernández (2) 35', 63', Van Persie (2) 43', 88' 20,342 1st
13 January 2013 Liverpool H 2–1 Van Persie 19', Vidić 54' 75,501 1st
20 January 2013 Tottenham Hotspur A 1–1 Van Persie 25' 35,956 1st
30 January 2013 Southampton H 2–1 Rooney (2) 8', 27' 75,600 1st
2 February 2013 Fulham A 1–0 Rooney 79' 25,670 1st
10 February 2013 Everton H 2–0 Giggs 13', Van Persie 45+1' 75,525 1st
23 February 2013 Queens Park Rangers A 2–0 Rafael 23', Giggs 80' 18,337 1st
2 March 2013 Norwich City H 4–0 Kagawa (3) 45+1', 76', 87', Rooney 90' 75,586 1st
16 March 2013 Reading H 1–0 Rooney 21' 75,605 1st
30 March 2013 Sunderland A 1–0 Bramble 27' (o.g.) 43,760 1st
8 April 2013 Manchester City H 1–2 Kompany 59' (o.g.) 75,498 1st
14 April 2013 Stoke City A 2–0 Carrick 4', Van Persie 66' (pen.) 27,191 1st
17 April 2013 West Ham United A 2–2 Valencia 31', Van Persie 77' 34,692 1st
22 April 2013 Aston Villa H 3–0 Van Persie (3) 2', 13', 33' 75,591 1st
28 April 2013 Arsenal A 1–1 Van Persie 44' (pen.) 60,112 1st
5 May 2013 Chelsea H 0–1 75,500 1st
12 May 2013 Swansea City H 2–1 Hernández 39', Ferdinand 87' 75,572 1st
19 May 2013 West Bromwich Albion A 5–5 Kagawa 6', Olsson 9' (o.g.), Büttner 30', Van Persie 53', Hernández 63' 26,438 1st
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Manchester United (C) 38 28 5 5 86 43 +43 89 Qualification for the Champions League group stage
2 Manchester City 38 23 9 6 66 34 +32 78
3 Chelsea 38 22 9 7 75 39 +36 75
4 Arsenal 38 21 10 7 72 37 +35 73 Qualification for the Champions League play-off round
5 Tottenham Hotspur 38 21 9 8 66 46 +20 72 Qualification for the Europa League play-off round
Source: Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Play-offs (only if needed to decide champion, teams for relegation or teams for UEFA competitions).[11]
(C) Champions

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 draw was made on 2 December 2012, with the ties taking place on the weekend of 5–6 January 2013. United was drawn in an away match against West Ham United.[12] The game ended in a 2–2 draw which meant United had to play against West Ham United again, this time at Old Trafford on 16 January 2013, beating them 1–0 in the process.

The draw for the fourth round took place on 6 January 2013, and gave United a home match on 26 January against Fulham,[13] which United won 4–1.

The draw for the fifth round took place on 27 January 2013, and gave United another home match, this time against fellow Premier League club Reading.[14] The game which was played on 18 February 2013 gave United a 2–1 win.[15]

The draw for the sixth round took place on 17 February 2013, and gave United another home match,[16] this time against fellow Premier League club Chelsea.[17] The game which was played on 10 March 2013 ended in a 2–2 draw which meant United had to play against Chelsea again, this time at Stamford Bridge on 1 April. The game finished with United losing 1–0, meaning that United were knocked out, with Chelsea proceeding to face Manchester City in the semi-finals.

Date Round Opponents H / A Result
F–A
Scorers Attendance
5 January 2013 Round 3 West Ham United A 2–2 Cleverley 23', Van Persie 90+1' 32,922
16 January 2013 Round 3
Replay
West Ham United H 1–0 Rooney 9' 71,081
26 January 2013 Round 4 Fulham H 4–1 Giggs 3' (pen.), Rooney 50', Hernández (2) 52', 66' 72,596
18 February 2013 Round 5 Reading H 2–1 Nani 69', Hernández 72' 75,213
10 March 2013 Round 6 Chelsea H 2–2 Hernández 5', Rooney 11' 75,196
1 April 2013 Round 6
Replay
Chelsea A 0–1 40,704

League Cup

As one of seven English clubs who qualified for European competition in the 2011–12 season, United received a bye to the Third Round of the League Cup. The draw took place on 30 August 2012, with United being paired with fellow Premier League club Newcastle United.[18] United defeated Newcastle 2–1 on 26 September. Later that day they were drawn against Chelsea for their fourth-round match.[19] A game they lost 5-4

Date Round Opponents H / A Result
F–A
Scorers Attendance
26 September 2012 Round 3 Newcastle United H 2–1 Anderson 44', Cleverley 58' 46,358
31 October 2012 Round 4 Chelsea A 4–5 (a.e.t.) Giggs (2) 22', 120' (pen.), Hernández 43', Nani 59' 41,126

UEFA Champions League

Group stage

Having finished in the top three in the league last season, United began their Champions League campaign in the group stage. Courtesy of their UEFA coefficient, they were seeded in Pot 1 for the draw, which took place in Monaco on 30 August 2012.[20] United were drawn into Group H, along with Braga of Portugal, Turkish champions Galatasaray and Romanian champions CFR Cluj.[21] Manchester United were previously drawn with Galatasaray in both 1993–94 and 1994–95, while Braga and CFR Cluj were new opponents.[22]

United ensured qualification into the knockout stage on 7 November when they won away at Braga by a score of 3–1. United fell behind early in the second half when Braga was awarded a penalty as the result of a Jonny Evans challenge. Alan converted the penalty in the 49th minute to put the home side ahead. The match was halted for approximately 12 minutes due to the floodlights going out. When play resumed, Robin van Persie tied the match in the 80th minute with a long-range strike. United were then awarded a penalty in the 85th minute, which Wayne Rooney successfully converted. Javier Hernández then put the game away in stoppage time. With top spot in the group secured United, fielding younger squads, lost both of their final matches 1–0 to Galatasaray and CFR Cluj.

Date Opponents H / A Result
F–A
Scorers Attendance Group
position
19 September 2012 Galatasaray H 1–0 Carrick 7' 74,653 2nd
2 October 2012 CFR Cluj A 2–1 Van Persie (2) 29', 49' 16,259 1st
23 October 2012 Braga H 3–2 Hernández (2) 25', 75', Evans 62' 73,195 1st
7 November 2012 Braga A 3–1 Van Persie 80', Rooney 85' (pen.), Hernández 90+2' 15,388 1st
20 November 2012 Galatasaray A 0–1 50,278 1st
5 December 2012 CFR Cluj H 0–1 71,521 1st

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 England Manchester United 6 4 0 2 9 6 +3 12 Advance to knockout phase
2 Turkey Galatasaray 6 3 1 2 7 6 +1 10
3 Romania CFR Cluj 6 3 1 2 9 7 +2 10 Transfer to Europa League
4 Portugal Braga 6 1 0 5 7 13 −6 3
Source: Soccerway

Knockout phase

The draw for the round of 16 was made in Nyon, Switzerland, on 20 December 2012. The first leg was played on 13 February 2013 away from home, and the second leg was played on 5 March 2013 at Old Trafford. As winners of their group, United were drawn against defending Spanish league champions, Real Madrid, who finished as runners-up in Group D. It was fifth tie between the two famed clubs and the first time they have faced one another since 2003 when Real Madrid won the quarter-final tie 6–5 on aggregate. This also marked the first time United faced Cristiano Ronaldo since selling him to Madrid in 2009 for a record £80 million. In the first tie, United drew 1–1 away from home thanks to a goal by Danny Welbeck. In the second tie, United lost 2–1 at home to Real Madrid after a red card was handed to United player Nani for going in with his foot at chest height in the 56th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo scored against his former club in both ties.

Date Round Opponents H / A Result
F–A
Scorers Attendance
13 February 2013 Round of 16
First leg
Real Madrid A 1–1 Welbeck 20' 85,454
5 March 2013 Round of 16
Second leg
Real Madrid H 1–2 Ramos 48' (o.g.) 74,959

Squad statistics

No. Pos. Name League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total Discipline
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
1 GK Spain David de Gea 28 0 5 0 1 0 7 0 41 0 0 0
2 DF Brazil Rafael 27(1) 3 4 0 1 0 6(1) 0 38(2) 3 8 1
3 DF France Patrice Evra 34 4 3 0 0 0 5 0 42 4 5 0
4 DF England Phil Jones 13(4) 0 4 0 0 0 3 0 20(4) 0 4 0
5 DF England Rio Ferdinand 26(2) 1 2 0 0 0 3(1) 0 31(3) 1 3 0
6 DF Northern Ireland Jonny Evans 21(2) 3 2 0 0 0 5 1 28(2) 4 2 0
7 MF Ecuador Antonio Valencia 24(6) 1 3(3) 0 0 0 2(2) 0 29(11) 1 7 0
8 MF Brazil Anderson 9(8) 1 3 0 2 1 3(1) 0 17(9) 2 1 0
9 FW Bulgaria Dimitar Berbatov 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 FW England Wayne Rooney 22(5) 12 3 3 1 0 5(1) 1 31(6) 16 7 0
11 MF Wales Ryan Giggs 12(10) 2 2(2) 1 1 2 3(2) 0 18(14) 5 1 0
12 DF England Chris Smalling 10(5) 0 5 0 0 0 2 0 17(5) 0 2 0
13 GK Denmark Anders Lindegaard 10 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 13 0 0 0
14 FW Mexico Javier Hernández 9(13) 10 6 4 2 1 5(1) 3 22(14) 18 1 0
15 DF Serbia Nemanja Vidić (c) 18(1) 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 22(1) 1 4 0
16 MF England Michael Carrick 34(2) 1 3(2) 0 0 0 5 1 42(4) 2 4 0
17 MF Portugal Nani 7(4) 1 4(1) 1 1 1 3(1) 0 15(6) 3 1 1
18 MF England Ashley Young 17(2) 0 1(1) 0 0 0 0(2) 0 18(5) 0 1 0
19 FW England Danny Welbeck 13(14) 1 3(1) 0 2 0 5(2) 1 23(17) 2 1 0
20 FW Netherlands Robin van Persie 35(3) 26 0(4) 1 0 0 5(1) 3 40(8) 30 7 0
21 FW Chile Ángelo Henríquez 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
22 MF England Paul Scholes 8(8) 1 1(2) 0 0 0 1(1) 0 10(11) 1 10 0
23 MF England Tom Cleverley 18(4) 2 4 1 1 1 5 0 28(4) 4 2 0
24 MF Scotland Darren Fletcher 2(1) 1 0 0 2 0 3(2) 0 7(3) 1 0 0
25 MF England Nick Powell 0(2) 1 0 0 0(2) 0 2 0 2(4) 1 0 0
26 MF Japan Shinji Kagawa 17(3) 6 2(1) 0 0 0 3 0 22(4) 6 1 0
27 FW Italy Federico Macheda 0 0 0 0 0(1) 0 0(2) 0 0(3) 0 0 0
28 DF Netherlands Alexander Büttner 4(1) 2 3 0 2 0 3 0 12(1) 2 1 0
31 DF England Scott Wootton 0 0 0 0 2 0 1(1) 0 3(1) 0 1 0
33 FW Portugal Bebé 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
34 MF England Larnell Cole 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
35 MF England Jesse Lingard 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
36 DF Belgium Marnick Vermijl 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
37 MF Republic of Ireland Robbie Brady 0 0 0 0 0(1) 0 0 0 0(1) 0 0 0
38 DF England Michael Keane 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0
39 DF England Tom Thorpe 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
40 GK England Ben Amos 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
41 FW Norway Joshua King 0 0 0 0 0 0 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 0 0
42 DF England Tyler Blackett 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
44 MF Belgium Adnan Januzaj 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
45 MF Italy Davide Petrucci 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
46 MF England Ryan Tunnicliffe 0 0 0 0 0(2) 0 0 0 0(2) 0 0 0
48 FW England Will Keane 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
49 DF Switzerland Frédéric Veseli 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
50 GK England Sam Johnstone 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Own goals 6 0 0 1 7

Statistics accurate as of 19 May 2013[23]

Transfers

In

Date Pos. Name From Fee
1 July 2012 MF Japan Shinji Kagawa Germany Borussia Dortmund Undisclosed[24]
1 July 2012 MF England Nick Powell England Crewe Alexandra Undisclosed[25]
17 August 2012 FW Netherlands Robin van Persie England Arsenal Undisclosed[26]
21 August 2012 DF Netherlands Alexander Büttner Netherlands Vitesse Undisclosed[27]
5 September 2012 FW Chile Ángelo Henríquez Chile Universidad de Chile Undisclosed[28]
26 January 2013 FW England Wilfried Zaha England Crystal Palace Undisclosed[29]

Out

Date Pos. Name To Fee
15 May 2012 DF Belgium Ritchie De Laet England Leicester City Undisclosed[30][31]
15 May 2012 MF England Matty James England Leicester City Undisclosed[30][31]
1 July 2012 MF Northern Ireland Oliver Norwood England Huddersfield Town Undisclosed[32][33]
1 July 2012 MF France Paul Pogba Italy Juventus Tribunal[34]
1 July 2012 DF England Zeki Fryers Belgium Standard Liège Free[35]
1 July 2012 GK Poland Tomasz Kuszczak Released[36]
1 July 2012 GK Australia Liam Jacob Released[36]
1 July 2012 FW England Michael Owen Released[36]
1 July 2012 GK Republic of Ireland Joe Coll Released[36]
9 July 2012 MF South Korea Park Ji-sung England Queens Park Rangers Undisclosed[37]
31 August 2012 FW Bulgaria Dimitar Berbatov England Fulham Undisclosed[38]
2 January 2013 FW Norway Joshua King England Blackburn Rovers Undisclosed[39]
8 January 2013 MF Republic of Ireland Robbie Brady England Hull City Undisclosed[40]
13 May 2013 DF Republic of Ireland Sean McGinty Released[41]
19 May 2013 MF England Paul Scholes Retired[42]

Loan out

Date from Date to Pos. Name To
2 July 2012 30 June 2013 DF Brazil Fábio England Queens Park Rangers[43]
13 July 2012 2 January 2013 FW England John Cofie England Sheffield United[44][45]
20 July 2012 7 January 2013 DF England Reece Brown England Coventry City[46][47]
31 July 2012 3 January 2013 GK England Ben Amos England Hull City[48]
4 August 2012 13 September 2012 DF Republic of Ireland Sean McGinty England Oxford United[49]
31 August 2012 30 June 2013 MF England Luke Giverin Belgium Royal Antwerp[50]
31 August 2012 2 January 2013 FW Netherlands Gyliano van Velzen Belgium Royal Antwerp[45][50]
5 November 2012 2 January 2013 MF Republic of Ireland Robbie Brady England Hull City[51][52]
6 November 2012 30 June 2013 DF England Michael Keane England Leicester City[52][53][54]
6 November 2012 2 January 2013 MF England Jesse Lingard England Leicester City[52][53]
6 November 2012 5 January 2013 DF Republic of Ireland Sean McGinty England Carlisle United[55][56]
22 November 2012 31 December 2012 FW Norway Joshua King England Blackburn Rovers[57]
1 January 2013 30 June 2013 FW Portugal Bebé Portugal Rio Ave[58]
2 January 2013 30 June 2013 FW Chile Ángelo Henríquez England Wigan Athletic[59]
9 January 2013 30 June 2013 MF Italy Davide Petrucci England Peterborough United[60][61]
9 January 2013 30 June 2013 DF England Scott Wootton England Peterborough United[60]
24 January 2013 30 June 2013 FW Italy Federico Macheda Germany VfB Stuttgart[62]
25 January 2013 25 March 2013 DF Northern Ireland Luke McCullough England Cheltenham Town[63][64]
26 January 2013 30 June 2013 FW England Wilfried Zaha England Crystal Palace[29]
8 February 2013 8 March 2013 FW England John Cofie England Notts County[65][66]
21 February 2013 21 March 2013 MF England Ryan Tunnicliffe England Barnsley[67][68]
25 February 2013 30 June 2013 DF England Reece Brown England Ipswich Town[69]
20 March 2013 30 June 2013 GK England Sam Johnstone England Walsall[70]
28 March 2013 30 June 2013 DF Republic of Ireland Sean McGinty England Tranmere Rovers[71]

Notes

References

  1. ^ Rubio, Alberto; Clancy, Conor (23 May 2019). "Guardiola on his way to becoming the most successful coach of all time". Marca.
  2. ^ "Sir Alex Ferguson is the greatest manager ever – and only Mourinho can catch him". Goal.
  3. ^ "United to play in South Africa". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 13 June 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  4. ^ "United returning to China". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 31 May 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  5. ^ "United to play in Norway". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  6. ^ "Reds to play Barcelona". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 28 June 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  7. ^ "Reds heading to Hanover". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 28 July 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  8. ^ Marshall, Adam; Shaw, Mike (16 June 2012). "United fixtures out on Monday". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
  9. ^ Marshall, Adam (5 July 2012). "Monday start for Reds". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 5 July 2012.
  10. ^ Ornstein, David (2 March 2013). "Man Utd 4–0 Norwich". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  11. ^ "Premier League Handbook 2012/13" (PDF). Premier League. pp. 92–93. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 March 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  12. ^ Bostock, Adam (2 December 2012). "FA Cup: Reds face London trip". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  13. ^ Bostock, Adam; Bartram, Steve (6 January 2013). "Home draw on offer for Reds". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  14. ^ Coppack, Nick (27 January 2013). "Reds to face Royals in Cup". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
  15. ^ Coppack, Nick (30 January 2013). "Date set for Reading tie". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  16. ^ Coppack, Nick (17 February 2013). "Boro or Chelsea await winners". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  17. ^ Bostock, Adam (27 February 2013). "FA Cup: Chelsea next for United". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
  18. ^ "Round 3 draw". football-league.co.uk. The Football League. 30 August 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  19. ^ "Round 4 draw". The Football League. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
  20. ^ "Champions League lineup and seedings set". UEFA. 29 August 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  21. ^ "Holders Chelsea handed Juventus challenge". UEFA. 30 August 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  22. ^ Marshall, Adam (30 August 2012). "Reds learn Euro draw". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  23. ^ "Season 2012/13 – Appearances and Goalscorers". StretfordEnd.co.uk. Barn End Media. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  24. ^ "Shinji Kagawa passes medical and agrees United move". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 22 June 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  25. ^ "United agree Powell deal". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  26. ^ Coppack, Nick (17 August 2012). "Van Persie transfer completed". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  27. ^ Coppack, Nick (21 August 2012). "Büttner signs for United". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  28. ^ "Henriquez becomes a Red". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 5 September 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  29. ^ a b "Exciting youngster Wilfried Zaha has passed his medical at Manchester United". Sky Sports. 26 January 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  30. ^ a b Coppack, Nick (15 May 2012). "Reds duo sign for Leicester". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
  31. ^ a b "Agreement Reached For United Duo". lcfc.com. Leicester City FC. 15 May 2012. Archived from the original on 18 May 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  32. ^ Coppack, Nick (27 June 2012). "Norwood joins Huddersfield". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
  33. ^ "Town Announce Norwood Capture". htafc.com. Huddersfield Town FC. 29 June 2012. Archived from the original on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  34. ^ Marshall, Adam (3 July 2012). "Pogba departure confirmed". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  35. ^ "Ex-United teen moves to Belgium". Sky Sports. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  36. ^ a b c d Coppack, Nick (2 July 2012). "Reds release four players". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 2 July 2012.
  37. ^ Marshall, Adam (9 July 2012). "Ji-sung Park signs for QPR". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  38. ^ Coppack, Nick (31 August 2012). "Dimitar Berbatov joins Fulham". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  39. ^ Bostock, Adam (2 January 2013). "King move made permanent". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  40. ^ Thompson, Gemma (8 January 2013). "Brady completes Tigers switch". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  41. ^ "Ferguson's Reads Final Riot Act as Youngster Leaves Manchester United". International Business Times UK. 14 May 2013.
  42. ^ "Scholes set to retire". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 11 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  43. ^ Bartram, Steve (2 July 2012). "Fabio joins QPR on loan". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 2 July 2012.
  44. ^ Marshall, Adam (13 July 2012). "Cofie links up with Blades". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  45. ^ a b Marshall, Adam (3 January 2013). "Duo return from loans". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  46. ^ Coppack, Nick (20 July 2012). "Brown becomes a Sky Blue". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  47. ^ Marshall, Adam (7 January 2013). "Brown back in Manchester". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  48. ^ "Amos Loan Deal Completed". hullcityafc.net. Hull City AFC. 31 July 2012. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  49. ^ "Manchester United's Sean McGinty joins Oxford United". BBC Sport. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  50. ^ a b Marshall, Adam (31 August 2012). "Duo head to Royal Antwerp". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  51. ^ Marshall, Adam; Bostock, Adam (6 November 2012). "Brady goes back to Hull". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  52. ^ a b c Marshall, Adam (5 December 2012). "Reds trio extend loan deals". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
  53. ^ a b Marshall, Adam (6 November 2012). "Duo tie up switch". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  54. ^ "Keane Stays for a Further Month". LCFC.co.uk. Leicester City. 4 January 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  55. ^ Marshall, Adam (6 November 2012). "McGinty heads to Carlisle". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  56. ^ Hall, Andy (7 December 2012). "Transfer: McGinty Loan Extended". carlisleunited.co.uk. Carlisle United FC. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
  57. ^ Marshall, Adam (22 November 2012). "King joins Berg at Blackburn". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  58. ^ Thompson, Gemma (3 January 2013). "Boss hopes Bebe will blossom". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  59. ^ "Angelo Henriquez joins Wigan on loan from Manchester United". BBC Sport. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  60. ^ a b Thompson, Gemma (9 January 2013). "Duo agree Posh loans". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  61. ^ Marshall, Adam (31 January 2013). "Petrucci stays with Posh". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  62. ^ Marshall, Adam (24 January 2013). "United agree Macheda deal". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  63. ^ Bostock, Adam (25 January 2013). "McCullough out on loan". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
  64. ^ Marshall, Adam (21 February 2013). "Luke McCullough extends loan". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  65. ^ Marshall, Adam (8 February 2013). "Cofie joins County on loan". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  66. ^ Dixon, Jamie (8 February 2013). "Man Utd Striker Arrives on Loan". NottsCountyFC.co.uk. Notts County. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  67. ^ Marshall, Adam (22 February 2013). "Tunnicliffe's a Tyke". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  68. ^ "Manchester United's Ryan Tunnicliffe agrees Barnsley loan". BBC Sport. 21 February 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  69. ^ Marshall, Adam (25 February 2013). "Brown set for Town". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  70. ^ Marshall, Adam (20 March 2013). "Johnstone loaned to Walsall". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
  71. ^ Marshall, Adam (28 March 2013). "McGinty heads to Tranmere". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 28 March 2013.