When we look back on Manchester United’s 2007-08 campaign, we obviously think of the unbridled success and glory.
As supporters, we remember the triumphant Premier League title defence that saw the club claim a record 10th league crown under Sir Alex Ferguson.
We think of the dramatic Champions League final victory over Chelsea in the Moscow rain, or the wonderfully entertaining attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
However, what is often forgotten is how slowly the campaign began, and how the all-conquering side took a few weeks to find their stride.
Take from that what you will, but regardless of the team, the season, or the dynamic, the task is a marathon and is never won in the opening weeks.
A frustrating stalemate with Reading on the opening weekend was compounded by the loss of the talismanic Rooney to an ankle fracture, ruling the Englishman out for weeks in a cruel blow to Ferguson’s plans.
A 1-1 draw with Portsmouth at Fratton Park followed, in which new signing Tevez made his debut. The Argentine forward assisted Paul Scholes for a trademark drive from distance.
United also lost Ronaldo late in the game to a red card for an apparent headbutt on Pompey midfielder Richard Hughes, with the Portuguese earning a three-match ban, adding to Ferguson’s early-season woes.
The first defeat of the season then followed in gameweek three, as the champions fell to a surprise loss to neighbours Manchester City at Eastlands.
Brazilian midfielder Geovanni fired home a famous winner for the hosts, leaving the Red Devils languishing in 16th place, seven points behind Sven-Goran Eriksson’s shock early pacesetters.
It was officially the worst start United had made to a league campaign since 1992-93. Still, just as he did back then, Fergie knew full well it wasn’t a time to panic.
“At this moment in time we have to rely on our experience and make sure we do not get carried away with knee-jerk reactions to it all,” the great man said.
The turning point, perhaps, came on Sunday, August 26, when Nani fired home a stunning winner against Tottenham, inadvertently leading United to their first victory of the season.
Make no mistake, this was undoubtedly an important landmark, as it got the team up and running for the campaign and provided a timely confidence boost.
Then followed a string of narrow 1-0 victories against Sunderland, Everton and Birmingham, along with a 2-0 home success against title rivals Chelsea, as the Reds shook off their early-season ring rust with swagger.
As new signings Tevez, Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves began to gel, things really began to click into gear for Fergie’s side, emphasised by a 12-goal haul in three successive October weekends, with four-goal romps against Wigan, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough taking them to the Premier League summit.
This is, of course, where they would stay, as United went on to win the Premier League and Champions League double in what was, without question, one of the most memorable seasons in recent history.
Nothing is an exact science in football, as Michael Carrick is experiencing today. Nonetheless, the 07-08 story is evidence that early setbacks can be overcome, and nothing is won in the opening weeks.
How fitting it would be to see a similar response against Spurs after the international break.
Let us know your fondest memories of the 2007-08 season in the comments or across our social channels–photo by IC Photo via depositphotos.com.
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