Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United return to the Champions League after a three-year hiatus, so we’re looking back at the club’s biggest wins in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Crowned champions of Europe three times (1968, 1999, 2008), Manchester United have no shortage of great memories across the continent.
There have been some major low points, too, including the tragic Munich Air Disaster, 10 years before United’s first European triumph.
Ahead of United’s Champions League opener against Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK, United In Focus reflects on United’s five biggest wins in Europe – based on winning margins.
Manchester United beat Roma 7-1 at Old Trafford
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Manchester United 10-0 Anderlecht (1956)
United’s biggest win came in September 1956, in the preliminary round second leg against Anderlecht.
The match was played at Maine Road due to Old Trafford lacking floodlights.
Dennis Viollet scored four goals, Tommy Taylor hit a hat-trick, Liam Whelan completed a brace, and Johnny Berry joined those named before him on the scoresheet.
United went on to reach the European Cup semi-finals before losing 3-5 against Real Madrid, who went on to lift the trophy for a second time.
Manchester United 7-1 Roma (2007)
Roma went into the second leg of the quarter-final tie with a 2-1 advantage, only for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to produce a remarkable comeback.
An incredible attacking display from the Reds saw the Old Trafford faithful treated to an eight-goal affair.
United won the match 7-1, courtesy of goals from Michael Carrick (x2), Cristiano Ronaldo (x2), Alan Smith, Wayne Rooney, and Patrice Evra.
In the semi-finals, United lost 6-2 on aggregate against fellow Serie A outfit AC Milan.
Manchester United 7-1 Waterford (1968)
United’s win over Roma in 2007 was the second time the Reds won a match 7-1 in Europe’s biggest competition.
As defending champions in October 1986, United took on Waterford from the Republic of Ireland. The first round second leg took place at Old Trafford.
Denis Law led the line with four goals, and he was joined on the scoresheet by Nobby Stiles, Francis Burns, and Sir Bobby Charlton.
United were eliminated by eventual champions AC Milan in the semi-finals.
Manchester United 6-0 HJK Helsinki (1965)
In the preliminary round second leg, United made light work of Finnish champions HJK Helsinki.
The scoreline was 6-0, and John Connelly was responsible for a hat-trick.
George Best scored a brace, and Charlton netted one.
United went on to knock ASK Vorwaerts and Benfica out of the European Cup before losing 2-1 on aggregate against Partizan Belgrade in the semi-finals.
Manchester United 7-2 Brønby IF (1998)
In the Champions League group stages, United breezed past Danish outfit Brønby IF at Old Trafford.
The scorers in United’s 7-2 win that night include David Beckham, Andy Cole, Phil Neville, Dwight Yorke, Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (x2).
United went on to win the Champions League, becoming the first English club to win the treble.