A title decided by seconds in a dramatic Premier League finish
In short: Manchester United entered the 2011–12 season chasing an unprecedented 20th league title. After a season of heavy competition and shifting rosters, the championship came down to the final moments of the final match, decided by two stoppage-time goals that flipped the standings.
The 2011–12 campaign was a transitional period for United. Following the retirements of stalwarts Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar after the 2010–11 season, the club faced a new era in the Premier League. They began the season with momentum, securing a 3–2 comeback victory against Manchester City in the Community Shield on 7 August 2011, marking their 19th such trophy.
However, the season was marked by inconsistency in domestic cups and European competition. United suffered a second consecutive League Cup exit at the Fifth Round stage, losing 2–1 to Crystal Palace on 30 November 2011. In the Champions League, a 2–1 loss to Basel on 7 December 2011 forced them into the UEFA Europa League for the first time since 1995–96, where they were eventually eliminated in the Round of 16 by Athletic Bilbao.
The Premier League title race reached a fever pitch on the final day, 13 May 2012. Both United and Manchester City sat on 86 points, though City possessed a superior goal difference of eight (63 versus 55). While United secured a 1–0 win over Sunderland via a Wayne Rooney goal, City's match against Queens Park Rangers appeared to be heading toward a draw. However, stoppage-time goals from Edin Džeko and Sergio Agüero secured a 3–2 win for City, handing them the title on a goal difference of 64 to 56.
For the initial time in 23 years, the title winners and runners-up ended the season tied on points, illustrating how narrow the margins are in top-tier football.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2011–12 Manchester United F.C. season
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