As United kick off another Champions League campaign I thought we’d look back at some of United’s previous opening fixtures in the competition.
Since our debut in the Champions League era of the European Cup back in 93-94 we have had some memorable as well as forgettable opening fixtures.
Facing the might of Juventus and Barcelona to the likes of Kosice and Kispest Honved we’ve definitely racked up our airmiles.
Wins, losses, draws and goals they have had them all so here are 5 of the most memorable.
92-93 vs Kispest Honved
United were back in Europe after an absence of a 25 years and didn’t fail to impress in their opening tie with a 3-2 win over Hungarian side Kispest Honved.
After Roy Keane opened the scoring on 9 minutes The Hungarians pulled one back through Szabados but further goals from Keane and Cantona meant Stefanov’s 70th minute effort was in vain.
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98-99 vs Barcelona
An entertaining game of high drama at Old Trafford.
Manchester United would lead twice on the night via goals from Giggs, Scholes and Beckham only to let Barcelona back into the tie to share the points.
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02-03 vs Maccabi Haifa
A feast of goals here as United romped to a 5-2 victory over Israeli side Maccabi Haifa.
Despite Katan giving the visitors a surprise lead, 5 goals from 5 different scorers (Giggs, Solskjaer, Veron, Van Nistelrooy and Forlan) restored balance to the universe as United illuminated Old Trafford on this night.
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05-06 Villareal
A dour game that was to be the precursor to one of United’s worst seasons on the continent, United drew 0-0 in Spain and saw Wayne Rooney dismissed for sarcastically clapping referee Kim Nielson’s decision to yellow card him.
United would crash out of the competition finishing the group, which also included tonight’s opponents Benfica and Lille, bottom.
07-08 vs Sporting Lisbon
When Cristiano Ronaldo returned to his former club and scored the winner who knew it would be the start of something great?
Starting with that goal United would march on through Europe to Moscow where on a rainy night we would lift the European Cup for the 3rd time.
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