2010 Manchester United Home – J. S. Park Small

The 2009–10 season (commonly referenced as 2010) was a fiercely competitive campaign for Manchester United, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, as the club chased an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. United ultimately finished 2nd, just one point behind Chelsea, in a title race that went down to the final day.

In the Premier League, United amassed 85 points, displaying trademark resilience and late-season momentum. Key home victories at Old Trafford and a strong defensive record kept them in contention until the end, but Chelsea’s relentless scoring ultimately proved decisive. Domestically, United won the League Cup, defeating Aston Villa 2–1 at Wembley — Ferguson’s fourth League Cup with the club — providing silverware in an otherwise near-miss season.

In Europe, United reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Bayern Munich on away goals in a dramatic tie remembered for Wayne Rooney’s injury and Ivica Olić’s late goal at Old Trafford. The campaign also marked the final season at Old Trafford for Cristiano Ronaldo already gone, and the gradual shift toward a more collective attacking approach.

The 2009–10 Manchester United home kit, produced by Nike, featured a classic red body, white collar trim, and subtle black detailing. Clean, traditional, and instantly recognizable, the shirt is closely associated with Ferguson’s last great title-chasing sides and the tireless work ethic of players like Park Ji-sung.

2. Player’s Impact – Park Ji-sung

The 2009–10 season was one of Park Ji-sung’s most important and respected years at Manchester United, reinforcing his reputation as Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted big-game midfielder. Known for his intelligence, stamina, and tactical discipline, Park was a vital component in United’s title push and cup success.

Park made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring 5 goals and contributing key assists, but his true value lay in his ability to execute specific tactical instructions. Often deployed on the left or right of midfield, Park was regularly tasked with neutralizing opposition playmakers — a role he fulfilled with relentless pressing, positional awareness, and selfless movement.

One of his standout moments came in the Champions League against AC Milan, where his work rate and late runs into the box helped United dominate midfield areas. In the Premier League, Park’s goals against Arsenal and Tottenham highlighted his knack for arriving unmarked in decisive moments. Ferguson repeatedly trusted him in high-stakes matches, underlining his importance to the team’s balance.

Park’s 2009–10 campaign epitomized his United career: understated, intelligent, and indispensable. While he was rarely the headline act, teammates and managers alike recognized him as one of the most tactically reliable players of the era. This season further cemented his legacy as one of the most successful and respected Asian players in football history.

3. Full Squad List (Manchester United – 2009–10 Season)

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Goalkeepers:
Edwin van der Sar, Ben Foster, Tomasz Kuszczak

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

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

Forwards:
Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Javier Hernández (joined following season but not yet present), Federico Macheda, Michael Owen