After failing to win the 2001-02 premiership trophy, United’s main goal was to recapture the success of the 2000-01 season of winning the league. The start to the season did not go according to plan as Manchester united lost a qualifying match for the champion’s league to the Hungarian champions 1-0; however a return leg at Old Trafford produced a 5-0 victory which set the tone to United’s season. United led at the top of the table by Christmas time, however they stumbled away to their Manchester counterparts 3-1 in February. Manchester United beat Blackburn in the semi finals of the league cup which in turn earned them a trip to the Millennium Stadium for a cup final against Liverpool. However despite having chance after chance, Liverpool beat United 2-0 in the final. However Manchester united dominated the premiership which included fine wins over Blackburn, Bolton and Leeds as they won the league with few weeks to spare. Ruud Van Nistlerooy was also United’s top scorer.
The 2003-04 season was a totally different campaign, as Manchester United’s league success was not as great as previous years. With the emergence of Chelsea and Arsenal, United only managed to finish 3rd, the departure of David Beckham may not have helped, however Ronaldo provided magic through out the season as United struggled to top the league. However despite the disappointment of finishing 3rd, Manchester united embarked on a fine FA Cup run, as they met Mill Wall in the final. United won the tie 3-0 as they were worthy FA Cup winners. The champion’s league of 2003-04 did not go according to plan, as they lost to the surprising eventual winners, FC Porto, in the second round.
Manchester united started off the 2004-05 season in poor form as they lost the charity shield to Arsenal, and results were not going their way. The signing of England star, Wayne Rooney was huge reason for optimism, however, a turn around occurred, as Manchester United stopped Arsenal’s amazing 49 match unbeaten run, as they beat Arsenal 2-0 at Old Trafford. Manchester United eventually finished the season, once again in third place, however they found themselves in the final against Arsenal in the FA Cup. Despite dominating the match, United lost 5-4 on penalties.
Manchester United, for once went into the premiership season the following year, being underdogs to winning the premiership, and this certainly suited them. Despite a slow start, United beat Chelsea 1-0, thanks to a Darren Fletcher goal, which really started United’s season. The title was a two horse race between United and Chelsea through out, however the early point advantage gained by Chelsea could never be recovered as United finished the season off in second place. The highlight of the 2005-06 campaign has to be winning the carling cup final 4-0 against Wigan. United embarked on their poorest Champions league campaign in 2005-06 as they finished bottom of their group, failing to qualify for the second phase.