2011 Manchester United Home – Luis Nani #17 Small

The 2010–11 season was a triumphant return to domestic dominance for Manchester United, as Sir Alex Ferguson guided the club to a record-breaking 19th English league title, surpassing Liverpool’s long-standing mark. It was a campaign defined by resilience, tactical intelligence, and a blend of experienced leaders with emerging stars.

United finished Premier League champions with 80 points, going unbeaten away from home all season — a remarkable achievement. While not the most prolific attacking side in the league, United were ruthlessly consistent, grinding out results through experience, structure, and timely moments of brilliance. Key rivals Chelsea and Arsenal faded, allowing United to reclaim the title with authority.

In cup competitions, United reached the UEFA Champions League Final, where they faced Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona at Wembley. Despite the 3–1 defeat, the run reinforced United’s status among Europe’s elite. Domestically, they were eliminated in the FA Cup semi-final by Manchester City and exited the League Cup in the quarter-finals.

The 2010–11 Manchester United home kit, produced by Nike, was modern yet symbolic. It featured a classic red body, a black V-neck collar, subtle black trim, and the AON sponsor — the first home shirt to carry the brand. Clean and aggressive, the kit is forever associated with United’s return to the top of English football and the attacking flair of players like Nani.

2. Player’s Impact – Nani

The 2010–11 season was the definitive breakthrough year for Nani, as he transformed from a mercurial winger into one of the most decisive wide players in world football. Operating primarily on the right wing, Nani delivered elite-level end product, consistency, and confidence — becoming United’s most dangerous attacking outlet.

Nani made 49 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and registering 18 assists, including 9 goals and 14 assists in the Premier League alone — the highest assist total in the division. His creativity, directness, and improved decision-making made him nearly unplayable at times. Whether cutting inside to shoot or delivering pinpoint crosses, Nani was central to United’s attacking rhythm.

His standout performances included match-winning displays against Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea, as well as decisive contributions during the title run-in. Nani’s evolution was rewarded when he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Manchester United Players’ Player of the Year — a clear acknowledgment that he had reached elite status.

Tactically, Nani thrived in Ferguson’s system by stretching defenses, isolating full-backs, and providing the creativity that compensated for United’s lack of a traditional playmaker. The 2010–11 season firmly established him as one of Europe’s top wingers and represented the peak of his Manchester United career.

3. Full Squad List (Manchester United – 2010–11)

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Goalkeepers:
Edwin van der Sar, Anders Lindegaard, Ben Amos

Defenders:
Nemanja Vidić (captain), Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Rafael da Silva, Fabio da Silva, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Wes Brown, John O’Shea

Midfielders:
Nani, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Park Ji-sung, Darron Gibson

Forwards:
Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernández, Dimitar Berbatov, Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda