Needless to say, in his 26 years at the helm, Sir Alex Ferguson made Manchester United one of the biggest clubs in the world. Not only were his teams always superior in mentality and tactics but also had a knack of scoring incredibly late goals which aptly suggested that you could never write them off until the final whistle. So without wasting further time, here’s a list of the Magnificent Seven Last Minute Goals which had a huge hand in the creation of the ‘Fergie Time’-
Michael Owen vs Manchester City (2009-10)
Despite being a Liverpool star earlier, Owen made a name for himself at United as he came off the bench to secure a sensational 4-3 victory over their title rivals in the 96th minute. It was his first ever Manchester derby after his move to United, and his first ever goal at Old Trafford. The defence-splitting pass from Giggs was finished off by a first touch strike by the Englishman.
Wayne Rooney vs Milan(2006-07)
Rooney scored one of his best ever goals in a United shirt against Milan in the Champions League Semi Final to cap off a sensational home victory in the first leg. Even though United lost 3-0 in the second leg to the eventual champions, this goal by Rooney was the most memorable moment for the United faithful. Rooney’s goal from just outside the box took Dida by surprise as he helped his team come from behind with a superb brace.
Diego Forlan vs Chelsea (2002-03)
Forlan, undoubted one of the best strikers of his time, didn’t have a good enough time at United. To date his barren spell is remembered with this goal against Chelsea as he made wonderful contact with Veron’s pass to put the ball past Cudicini with a sublime first touch off his weak foot. The goal cemented his cult status at the club as it proved to be of huge importance as United regained the title from Arsenal that season.
RvP vs Manchester City (2012-13)
One of the most important goals in United’s history, Van Persie scored a sensational free kick in the stoppage time to help his team run off with all three points in the Manchester Derby. The 3-2 win ultimately proved to be the difference as Sir Alex Ferguson signed off from his seat in stunning fashion after reclaiming the title from their noisy neighbours.
Macheda vs Aston Villa (2008-09)
Macheda announced himself to the football world with a sumptuous strike on his dream debut for United, as he helped them dispose of Aston Villa 3-2 en route to a runners-up finish in the league. The 17-year-old’s superb turn and strike from Giggs’ pass erupted Old Trafford, and while he had a hugely disappointing career, Macheda’s name will forever be inked into the supporters’ hearts for just that one goal.
Park Ji-Sung vs Wolverhampton (2010-11)
One of the best goals by the Korean in his magnificent spell at United, this goal that sealed the 2-1 victory goes down as the turning point for the eventual champions’ season. He danced past three Wolves defenders and unleashed a rocket strike with his weak foot to cap off a nail-biting evening with a memorable goal.
It was his second goal in the above video that did the business.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vs Bayern Munich (1998-99)
Claimed by many to be the best ever goal in United’s history, the Baby Faced Assassin scored the goal that not only won them the Champions League Final but also confirmed their first ever unprecedented Treble. Following a Sheringham header from a last minute corner, Solskjaer reacted quickest to put the ball past Kahn to make the score 2-1 as he inked his name into United’s best-ever season.