The year 2014 proved one of the more testing periods in Manchester United’s illustrious Premier League history.
A year that saw United record their lowest ever Premier League finish and failure to qualify for Europe under David Moyes, ended brightly with signs of revival under new boss Louis van Gaal.
And whilst a title push this season looks a step too far, all the signs at the moment suggest United will be returning to the Champions League at least next season.
Last year was also one in which United completed some of the most extravagant transfer business in Premier League history with Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao arriving for a combined cost of almost £200 million – not to mention wages.
This year could yet prove one to remember for United fans and whilst many will be keen to forget 2014, there were still some special goals to savour.
Here we take a look back at United’s five best goals in the year that was 2014.
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Click on Louis van Gaal to reveal Manchester United’s FIVE best goals in the year that was 2014.
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Robin van Persie vs Hull City
Robin van Persie rediscovered his goalscoring touch in style in late November as United beat Hull comfortably 3-0. The Dutch striker took the ball on the edge of the box, went past one defender before smashing the ball into the top corner to end his own mini goal drought and wrap up the three points for United.
Juan Mata vs Newcastle United
In what proved to be one of the last matches of David Moyes’ ill-fated spell in charge, Juan Mata inspired the Red Devils to a 4-0 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park with a two goal display.
The second of which was a sublime free kick from the Spaniard, perfectly executed from an acute angle which found the top corner. Mata’s Old Trafford career has taken a while to get going but signs over the last month or so seem to suggest he is returning to something like his best form and more moments like this will hopefully follow in 2015.
Patrice Evra vs Bayern Munich
Any goal to put you in front in the quarter final of a Champions League tie in the Allianz Arena should be considered special but particularly when it is a blockbuster strike from an unlikely source.
Patrice Evra executed a sublime first time finish to give United a shock lead over Bayern Munich. Unfortunately however, it was a lead that only lasted 60 seconds – a shame when you consider the quality of the goal would have been worthy of beating anyone.
Angel Di Maria v Leicester City
A few eyebrows were raised when Manchester United paid a staggering £59.6 million for Angel Di Maria in the summer. But this sublime goal against Leicester City in September went some way to suggesting it was money well spent.
The Argentine collected the ball from Wayne Rooney and drove at the Foxes defence before showing intelligence and class to coolly lob the ball over the goalkeeper under pressure. An early contender for goal of the season surely although it’s quality was overshadowed somewhat as United lost an unbelievable game 5-3 having led 2-0 and then 3-1.
Wayne Rooney vs West Ham United
Whilst this may not be a goal that West Ham goalkeeper Adrian will want to see again, any strike that comes from just in front of the half way line is worthy of a number one spot in any countdown.
Wayne Rooney produced this moment of class at Upton Park in May, showing the sublime technique that has become his trademark down the years while slamming United’s goal of the season competition firmly shut in the process.
