The 2012–13
season marked Manchester United's
21st campaign in the Premier League, solidifying their status as a perennial
contender in English football. This season also represented their 38th
consecutive appearance in the top flight, showcasing the club's enduring
presence at the highest level.
The journey commenced on 20 August 2012 with
the kickoff of the Premier League campaign. Having narrowly missed out on the
title the previous season, Manchester United embarked on a mission to reclaim
the English top-flight crown. The quest culminated on 22 April 2013 when they
secured an unprecedented 20th league title with a resounding victory over Aston
Villa at Old Trafford. In that match, top scorer Robin van Persie delivered a
memorable hat-trick, concluding the season with 26 league goals and an
impressive tally of 30 goals in all competitions.
The domestic cups, namely the FA Cup and the
League Cup, provided both challenges and disappointments for United. Their path
in both tournaments was halted by Chelsea, who first defeated them 5–4 in the
League Cup fourth round on 31 October 2012. Subsequently, Chelsea secured a 1–0
win in the FA Cup sixth round replay on 1 April 2013, extinguishing United's
hopes in both competitions.
In European competition, Manchester United
faced a setback in the UEFA Champions League, bowing out at the Round of 16
stage after a 3–2 aggregate loss to Real Madrid.
The season was not only marked by on-field
events but also by a significant managerial announcement. On 8 May 2013, the
legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who had served as United's manager for an
unprecedented 26 and a half years, declared his retirement. At 71, Ferguson
held the distinction of being the oldest serving manager in the Premier League
or Football League. His illustrious tenure included an astonishing 38 trophies,
making him the most successful manager in the history of football.
The managerial torch was passed to David
Moyes of Everton, who was announced as Ferguson's successor for the 2013–14
season. The co-chairmen, Joel and Avram Glazer, presided over this transition,
signaling a new era for Manchester United.
The season's attendance records reflected the unwavering support of the fans, with the highest home attendance reaching 75,605 during the match against Reading on 16 March. In contrast, the lowest home attendance stood at 46,358 against Newcastle United on 26 September, with an average home league attendance of an impressive 75,530. As the curtains closed on the 2012–13 season, Manchester United stood atop the Premier League, leaving behind a legacy of triumphs, challenges, and a managerial transition that marked the end of an era under Sir Alex Ferguson's extraordinary leadership.