2012 Manchester United Home – Robin Van Persie #20 XL

The 2012/13 season was one of the most memorable in Manchester United’s modern history, as it marked Sir Alex Ferguson’s final year in charge.

• Premier League: United dominated the campaign, winning the league with 89 points, finishing 11 points ahead of rivals Manchester City.

• Domestic Cups:

  • Knocked out in the FA Cup quarterfinals by Chelsea (after a replay).

  • Exited the League Cup in the fourth round against Chelsea.

• UEFA Champions League: Eliminated in the Round of 16 by Real Madrid, in a controversial tie where Nani was sent off in the second leg at Old Trafford.

• Key Storyline: The season is remembered for Robin van Persie’s arrival from Arsenal, which proved decisive in reclaiming the title after losing it on goal difference the previous year.

• Kit: The 2012/13 Manchester United home jersey, by Nike, featured a distinctive gingham-style checkered pattern in red and black, with a black crew collar. It has become iconic as the shirt of Sir Alex Ferguson’s farewell and Van Persie’s heroic debut season.

2. Player’s Impact – Robin van Persie (2012/13)

Robin van Persie, newly signed from Arsenal for £24 million, was the superstar signing who delivered instant success.

• Appearances: 48 in all competitions.

• Statistics: 30 goals and 15 assists, including 26 goals in the Premier League, winning the Golden Boot.

• Key Moments:

  • Scored a hat-trick against Southampton early in the season.

  • Netted a late winner in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium (3–2).

  • Scored a brilliant hat-trick vs. Aston Villa in April 2013, including a stunning volley, to mathematically secure the Premier League title.

• Role: Played as the central striker in Ferguson’s 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 hybrid, linking brilliantly with Wayne Rooney and supplying the clinical edge United had been missing.

• Legacy: Van Persie’s debut season is legendary among United fans, as he carried the team to its 20th league title. His performances cemented his place as one of the Premier League’s greatest forwards.

3. Full Squad List – Manchester United 2012/13

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Goalkeepers:

• David de Gea

• Anders Lindegaard

• Ben Amos

Defenders:

• Patrice Evra

• Rio Ferdinand

• Nemanja Vidić (Captain)

• Rafael da Silva

• Jonny Evans

• Chris Smalling

• Phil Jones

• Alexander Büttner

Midfielders:

• Michael Carrick

• Ryan Giggs

• Paul Scholes

• Tom Cleverley

• Shinji Kagawa

• Anderson

• Darren Fletcher

• Ashley Young

• Nani

• Antonio Valencia

Forwards:

• Robin van Persie

• Wayne Rooney

• Danny Welbeck

• Javier “Chicharito” Hernández

• Federico Macheda