Drama, dominance & heartbreak: 12 unforgettable Man United moments from each month in 2025

It has been a true rollercoaster of a year for Manchester United in 2025, packed with drama, disaster and unforgettable moments.

The calendar year began with Ruben Amorim still finding his feet at Old Trafford, having arrived after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in November 2024.

From endless debates around a back-three system and a painful Europa League exit to Tottenham Hotspur, to captain Bruno Fernandes rejecting eye-watering Saudi offers and Amorim eventually tearing up his preferred formation, the storyline never stopped.

So much unfolded across these 12 turbulent months that United fans barely had time to catch their breath.

As the club steps into 2026, it feels like the perfect moment to relive the defining highlight from each month of 2025.

January: Altay Bayindir turns hero

The Red Devils edged past Arsenal 1–1 (5–3 on penalties) at the Emirates Stadium in a nerve-shredding FA Cup third-round showdown.

Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock early in the second half, but the momentum swung sharply when Diogo Dalot was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

Gabriel Magalhaes equalised for Arsenal moments after United were reduced to ten men.

A controversial penalty was awarded to the hosts but goalkeeper Altay Bayindir denied Martin Odegaard from the spot.

Bayindir then etched his name into United folklore by stopping Kai Havertz in the shoot-out, capping the finest performance of his United career.

February: Maguire’s injury-time winner

United fans were treated to yet another FA Cup thriller, and this time it was Harry Maguire who delivered the decisive moment.

Leicester City struck first through Bobby De Cordova-Reid, threatening a major upset.

Joshua Zirkzee restored parity and reignited belief inside Old Trafford.

Deep into stoppage time, Fernandes whipped in a pinpoint cross that Maguire attacked with authority, powering home a dramatic winner to send the crowd into raptures.

March: Hat-trick in Europe for Fernandes

Everything remained delicately poised after a tense 1–1 draw with Real Sociedad in Spain.

An early goal from the La Liga side sent anxiety rippling through Old Trafford.
When United needed inspiration most, their captain once again answered the call.

Bruno Fernandes struck from the penalty spot either side of half-time before completing a magnificent hat-trick in the 87th minute.

A late goal from Diogo Dalot sealed progression to the Europa League quarter-finals and capped a memorable European night.

April: Magical evening vs Lyon

This unforgettable clash may well go down as United’s game of the year.

After a 2–2 draw in France, United and Lyon produced a breathless second leg at the Theatre of Dreams, with the hosts eventually prevailing.

United squandered a 2–0 lead, allowing Lyon to force extra time in dramatic fashion.

When the visitors surged ahead to make it 4–2, the tie looked lost until Old Trafford witnessed pure theatre.

Fernandes pulled one back from the spot before Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire struck in the 120th and 121st minutes to complete a jaw-dropping comeback.

At Old Trafford, there is always room for late drama.

May: Smashing Athletic Bilbao

United have not had a great record against Spanish teams.

Amid uncertainty and nerves, Amorim’s men stormed into the Europa League final by demolishing Athletic Bilbao 7–1 on aggregate.

Fernandes, Casemiro and Mason Mount each scored twice, with Rasmus Hojlund also getting on the scoresheet.

United suddenly looked unstoppable and favourites for the trophy before fate intervened once again.

June: Matheus Cunha to United

INEOS started the summer window with a bang, triggering the £62.5 million release clause for Matheus Cunha.

Cunha enjoyed a brilliant spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers and was ready to take the next step.

The Brazilian has played with a swagger over the last six months that has been missing at Old Trafford.

He is a fighting character and one of the future leaders of this team.

July: Bryan Mbeumo to United

Bryan Mbeumo completed his transfer to United from Brentford after the two clubs were locked in negotiations for over a month.

Despite interest from several top clubs, the winger had his heart set on Old Trafford.

He has since justified that faith, emerging as the standout signing with seven goals and one assist in 17 appearances across all competitions.

August: Maiden victory of 2025/26 season

United endured a frustrating start to the new campaign, waiting almost a month for their first victory.

Following a nightmare result against Grimsby Town, the mood around Old Trafford was understandably grim.

Burnley twice clawed their way back after United took the lead, threatening another demoralising setback.

However, Fernandes held his nerve in the 97th minute, burying a decisive penalty to finally secure three points.

It was a huge moment for Amorim and United supporters.

September: Comeback vs Chelsea

United suffered a 3–0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium before hosting Chelsea.

Many feared that the Blues could steamroll United but Amorim’s men started strongly.

Benjamin Sesko and Mbeumo combined brilliantly to force Robert Sanchez into a red-card offence.

The defeat to City felt like a thing of the past as United dominated the London outfit in the first half before Casemiro got his marching orders.

United clung on for a gritty 2–1 victory, despite a late fightback from the visitors.

October: Breaking the Anfield hoodoo

This may have been United’s second-biggest win of the year.

Mbeumo stunned Anfield into silence with a second-minute opener.

Cody Gakpo rattled the post multiple times before finally finding the back of the net late in the second half.

Two United leaders, Fernandes and Maguire, rose to the occasion again.

The captain delivered a sumptuous cross for the former skipper to head home, sealing United’s first win at Anfield in nine long years.

November: Conquering Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace entered the game unbeaten in 12 home matches, making the task daunting.

Jean-Philippe Mateta gave Palace the lead, threatening another frustrating afternoon.

But Zirkzee and Mount emerged as unlikely heroes, flipping the contest on its head.

Unsurprisingly, Fernandes provided the assists for both goals as United claimed a rare Selhurst Park triumph.

December: Amorim changes formation

Amorim had been stubborn about fielding his side in a 3-4-3 system.

In December, circumstances finally forced his hand.

Against Newcastle United, injuries and absences compelled a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Even without talisman Bruno Fernandes, United stood firm and claimed a crucial win thanks to a stunning volley from Patrick Dorgu.

Whether this marks the end of Amorim’s back-three era or merely a temporary adjustment remains one of the biggest questions heading into 2026.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .